Summer barbecues

Nikki31104

How do you hold on to your will power during barbecue season. Most people lose weight in the summer months because they are more active. I gain weight because of all the barbecues. It is especially hard when the food sits on display for hours at a time. So what are your tricks?

AliceAxe

lol yeah I love barBQs too! so easy to overendulge! pot lucks are good because you can bring your own healthy dish to make sure you fill up on first even if not ask there is no harm in showing up with an offering, most people appreciate that even they dont ask. you could suggest some recipies to your host or hostess. or you could bring a container of some of your own stuff , tell them you are trying to lose wieght and eat a healthier diet and ask them to put it on the grill for you. mabee you will inspire them?

I like things like green salads and veg platters for nibbling and snacking, bean salads, fruit salads. for meat some seasoned grilled chicken or fish is great oh and dont forget kabobs with chicken or shrimp and vegtables. I like to use mushrooms, onions cherry tomatos peppers yellow squash and zuccini and eggplant. I like just roasting slabs of those vegtables with some olive oil salt and pepper. portobella mushrooms are great on the grill.

CherylG1983

Potato salad is my nemesis! But, I found a good healthy recipe that replaces the mayo with avocado and it's delicious. Other ways I compromise is that if I'm having a burger, I don't have potato, just salad... So basically, one carb serving. I think the thing that traps a lot of people are the empty calories in condiments and drinks. If I chose to have a beer or glass of wine, I'll skip the burger and have grilled chicken or a small piece of steak instead. It's just about moderation, compromise and will power, really.

MissusMoon

Plan ahead. Log ahead. Stick to it.

megomerrett

Like a party buffet, I know what you mean! I plan for it (do a cycle/jog in the morning, have a lighter breakfast) but during the BBQ I'll make sure I select the food I want and that tastes good. I'll also avoid having a bun/roll with every sausage/burger as I'd prefer to try a variety of meats! Obvs have salads too, veggie skewers, watermelon, barbecues pineapple. Trouble for me can also come from all the booze so if I drive I'll stick to softs.

MsAmandaNJ

I keep a bottle of water in me at all times at a BBQ and feast on the veggies. That takes care of the snacking, but I'll usually still get a burger and potato salad.

ThunderZtorm

Enjoy life. It's cycling season, so I build up a LOT of extra exercise compared to winter months. Besides, we only BBQ like once or twice a month or so.

My worry is christmas/new years, since in Denmark that's very heavy food and a LOT of candy..

skinnyforhi

I've trained myself to eat only at mealtimes, with an afternoon snack (usually fruit) around 4. In a lot of other countries, this would have been taught at about age 5 (in the U.S. we have food at all hours of the day and every occasion- I've traveled enough to figure out this isn't normal). So if the BBQ starts at 2 or 3, then I would have eaten a healthy lunch before going and I wouldn't eat anything until dinner (not showing up hungry is a "must" for this to work obviously). I also do what another poster suggested and limit my meal at a BBQ to one carb. So if I have a hot dog with a bun, I skip the pasta salad or potatoes or chips and I opt for salad or vegetables as a side. My last trick is that I really don't "save" calories for special occasions. I might fit in an intense workout the morning of a special dinner or something, but I never ever save calories and show up starving at an event. That always leads to my downfall I know banking calories works well for some people and they find that it's a great tool- for me it's usually a disaster.

Spliner1969

I BBQ almost every day when it's nice out. I generally go for Chicken (Boneless Breasts, Boneless Thighs, or even Turkey Cutlets at times) or Turkey, season it, grill it, using a thin but tasty sauce and eat as much as I want. I do watch the sides.. I tend to grill Asparagus or other veggies with very light light coating of olive oil or even an olive oil spray (lots of calories in oil). Then I add in either a microwaved russet potato or sweet potato for the extra potassium kick. As far as beer.. I always drink Michelob Ultra Light or Ultra Light Lime Cactus beer. It's not that bad, and many days I can get 40-50g of protein in a meal that way and stay under my daily goals. Leftovers are great for lunches, slice up the chicken and make a sandwich.

One last thing.. it's summer. On days you're going to BBQ and it's nice outside (hence the BBQ) go for an extra walk or run, or whatever you like to do. Enjoy the BBQ!

Lounmoun

Plan, prelog, eat, move away from the food/put the food away, be busy.
Pile your plate with all those fresh summer veggies. Get one plate of food with reasonable portions. Don't put a lot of sauces or condiments on your food. Be picky and eat the good stuff not just everything there. Eat slowly and savor your food.
Be more active so you can eat a bit more.
Practice saying no thanks, I'm full, I don't want any right now.
Realise food like this is not rare. You will be able to eat these foods again and again.

happyauntie2015

I love bbqs! I have been grilling out every evening and its nice because at home I'm in control. When going away to someone else's BBQ I take a dish with me that's healthy and I keep a smart snack in my purse. I avoid the bread and buns and since I love potato salad I have 2 bites of my husband's and that's usually enough for me to enjoy the amount I had. I really focus on the fresh fruits instead of the pies and cookies as well and drink plenty of water

cjdecz

I pack food to bring with me like mixed nuts, protein bar, etc. I'll mainly dig into the veggie platter and/or I'll bring chicken to BBQ.

ASKyle

I went to one on Saturday.

Went for a morning run. Only had a protein bar before the BBQ. Saved my day of calories for that.

Skipped the buns, had a hot dog and burger, and a bit of everything else. It's your decision whether you make a BBQ a free for all or you exercise some control.

LuckyNumbers

Skip the buns for the meat - that's a huge calorie saver.

Chips and dips (guacamole, salsa, green chile dip, etc.) are my downfall. I will just eat them mindlessly, especially if they're just out for everyone to help themselves. My "trick" is to get a plate and limit myself to a serving of said chips and dip. Then it's veggies and fruit for the sides. I can usually say no to potato or macaroni salad, but if that's your Achilles' heel, then employ the same tactic.

I second the suggestion to BYO healthy food. Most of the BBQ's I go to are somewhat potluck style anyway, so look up some easy, yummy, fresh recipes for summer and bring enough to share!

janetennet

I agree with bringing your own healthy food or snack option. Let the host know you'll bring a healthy snack for everyone and then bring some crudités and hummus or other healthy offering.
The best thing about summer is that all the yummiest fruits are in season, melons, berries and pineapples make a great healthy pudding - offer to bring this as well or bring for yourself.

When it comes down to it be wise, choose the best option with the least amount of fat.

85Cardinals

I love summer barbecues! I would probably save all of a day's calories for one, if only I ever got invited to one.

Need2Exerc1se

We bbq several times a week. There is no reason food cooked outside has to be more caloric than food cooked inside. We are a lot more active in the warm months though so eating a big meal after working outside all day doesn't put me over on calories.

ashleyjongepier

I find bbqing is actually pretty healthy anyway (maybe not salads made with mayo but I don't like them anyway), I make up chicken kabobs or eat a lettuce wrapped burgers, some veggie dishes and maybe a small amount of pasta salad. Just like anything else, do your best to be reasonable but enjoy from time to time.