Healthy Barbecue

A backyard barbeque, a day at the beach, or even a picnic in the park are all great ways to celebrate summer with family and friends. And what would a celebration be without food – healthy and delicious food that is! Yes, that’s right, healthy food can be delicious.

Here are some ideas to make your next outdoor party fun, healthy, and of course, tasty!

1. Include brightly colored fruits and vegetables on the menu
Simple on-the-go ideas include: raw veggies with low-fat dip, fresh sliced watermelon, or juicy berries
Have a bit more time? Pack a mixed green salad with assorted, colorful veggies or a whole-wheat pasta salad mixed with red and orange peppers, broccoli, red onion, carrots, kidney beans, and low-fat Italian dressing.

2. Make half of your grains whole
Prepare sandwiches on whole grain bread, wraps, or rolls. Bring 100 % whole grain crackers as a snack or even low-fat popcorn. Make a non-traditional pasta salad – with quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat orzo in place of regular pasta.

3. Go lean with protein
Use the grill to prepare chicken breast, lean cuts of steak, hamburgers (made with extra lean ground beef), turkey burgers (made with ground turkey breast), fish such as salmon, tilapia, or swordfish, lean pork loin, or even veggies burgers.
For a picnic, pack lean cold cuts such as roast beef or turkey breast, tuna fish made with low-fat mayo, and hard-boiled eggs.

4. Dairy Delicious
Add a slice of reduced fat cheese to sandwiches or on top of a burger.
Toss shredded low-fat cheese into a mixed green salad or add to pasta salad.
For dessert, make a low-fat yogurt fruit dip to serve with colorful fruit platter.

5. Spice it up!
Dressings and spreads can add lots of unwanted calories and fat to foods. Choose mustard or low-fat mayo to top sandwiches. Use low-fat salad dressings to top salads or as a dip for fresh veggies. Top burgers or chicken with ketchup, barbeque sauce, or other light condiments.

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com.