6 Tips for a Healthy Cookout

I love a good hotdog, burger and even some chips. That being said, I figured there were more people out there like me who love the bad stuff but need/like to stick to the good stuff (for one reason or another). I decided to come up with some ways to keep your cookouts healthy.
Fall is on its way here (September 22 to be exact). It’s that time of year where we celebrate not only the season but also get together for sporting events. Grilling, cookouts and tailgating are a big part of this time of year for a lot people. Many people have a hard time sticking to weight loss plans, typical healthy regimens and portion control when going to a cookout or social event. Typical food for these types of cookouts includes burgers, hot dogs, chips and other food that may or may not be the healthiest for you. There’s no reason why you can’t have a healthy, yet tasty Fall cookout and still enjoy the same flavors that you’ve always loved during these festivities. Here are 6 tips for a healthy cookout.
1. Hot Dogs – First of all, make sure you are purchasing high quality, all beef or turkey hot dogs. Second, forego the bun to save calories or make sure to pick up a good quality whole wheat bun for your dog. (Applegate Farms has a great selection of all beef, turkey and organic beef and turkey dogs! Sold in your grocers cold cut section or Whole Foods.)
2. Burgers – Yum! Who doesn’t love a burger, right? I will suggest the same thing for burgers as I do for hot dogs. Make sure to get quality beef or try a veggie burger and leave out the bun. You’ll be able to taste your grilled burger better without all of the bread. Load your burger up with fresh or grilled veggies and a little bit of cheese for taste and crunch! If you must have a bun, get a true whole wheat bun.
3. Condiments, condiments, condiments! – Instead of loading up your grilled dog or burger with ketchup, just add a few slices of fresh tomato. Slice pickles instead of loading on store bought relish and forego the mayo completely. Try a little mustard, shredded cabbage, sliced or cut jalapeno, fresh cut onion, or grilled onions to spice up your meal. That being said, if you truly want to use traditional condiments, go organic, watch the sugar amounts and always use portion control. Less is more in the condiment department!
4. Potato Salad, Pasta Salad and Cole Slaw – Don’t touch these dishes if they’re smothered in creamy mayonnaise based sauces. Yogurt based would be a better alternative with fewer calories. Other alternatives are sliced, seasoned potatoes that have been grilled or broiled instead of potato salad, whole wheat pasta with fresh veggies with a touch of olive oil for pasta salad and fresh shredded cabbage mixed with shredded carrot and onion with a bit of vinegar and oil as an alternative for cole slaw. You’ll save a ton of calories and if you season right, you will not be lacking in taste one bit (or bite!).
5. Dessert – Fresh fruit with a little bit of whipped cream is your best bet! Not only is fresh fruit much better for you than a sugar loaded dessert but with the colors of fruit, you can whip up a seasonal inspired goodie. Fruit can be cut and packaged and carried or set out in a bowl. You can still have the sweet without all of the added junk and calories.
6. Chips and Dips – Ditch the chips for fresh cut veggies such as celery, cucumber, carrot and zucchini sticks. Whip up a Greek yogurt or yogurt based dip with spices and garlic versus a store bought dip loaded with sugars and added ingredients you don’t want or need! Homemade sweet potato chips, kale chips and whole wheat pita chips are also a great alternative if you’re really looking for crunch from something other than a vegetable.
Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring! It can be fun and really tasty if you get a little creative with it. There are ways to “healthify” almost any dish for any occasion. Enjoy a healthy cookout or tailgate with these tips.
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