As an RD, people are always interested in what I eat. Let me tell you, no dietitian I know eats perfect. We eat cookies & bread, but we just don’t skimp on the veggies. BBQ’s are usually filled with high fat, high sugar, refined processed carbs, and let’s just be real – a lot of junk. But you can actually have a delicious & clean BBQ feast and I promise your taste buds won’t feel neglected.
This is what dietitians really eat at BBQ’s…
Flame Grilled Kbobs
Kbobs are fun, easy and full of variety! Indulge in these as the protein in the meat and the fiber in the veggies will help keep you full and satisfied. You can just use veggies such as purple onion, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, green & red bell peppers or add chicken or beef. Sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings & Viola!
The Reinvented Burger
To avoid refined carbohydrates and gluten, opt to go bun-free. Top it with your favorite toppings and fork-and-knife it. Not your style? Eat it in a lettuce wrap with all the toppings or eat it on half a bun. Most dietitians keep the big picture in mind when it comes to any meal.
If you just can’t imagine your burger bun-less, look at what else is on your plate to make sure it’s not one big carb bomb. If you have to eat a whole bun, have a veggie kbob or superfood salad as a side instead of coleslaw or potato salad. (Personally I’d skip the bun and opt for a S’more for dessert.) 🙂
Corn on the Cobb
Technically, corn is a vegetable. Barbecued or boiled, corn on the cob is typically a go-to healthy pick, and it basically tastes like summer. Just be mindful about toppings, like butter and salt. Optimally, organic corn is best.
Vinegar-based Coleslaw
Any cream-based dish is a good indication it’s high in fat. Not that fat is bad for you, but fats are better derived form nuts, seeds, and plants than in mayo. A vinegar-based coleslaw is a better pick vs. the traditional mayo-based “slaws”.
Superfood Salad
Superfood salad are my favorite! Opt for this superfood salad instead of a cold noodle salad. Full of antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and flavor! Get Recipe here! Recipe by: Linda Wagner
Baked Potato
What? But it’s white! Yes, it’s white, but everything in moderation, right? 🙂 Instead of butter, sour cream and cheese on your baked potato, pick just one. Add salt and pepper and garlic. You’ll save a ton of calories and stick with a potato about the size of a woman’s fist.
Dried Veggies
If you’re like most of us, we too love crunch – like the crunch of chips. Dried veggies do the trick every time, plus they’re great with your favorite salsa!
And last but not least…
Skinny Strawberry Margaritas
Oh. My. GRACIOUS, even if you’re not a margarita person, you have to try this skinny strawberry margarita! Warning – fun spoiler here: a regular margarita is approximately 700 calories (gasp). Plus this strawberry margarita recipe taste better than any you’d get at a restaurant and it’s cheaper too.
What is your favorite healthy BBQ dish? Let me know here: Facebook.com/TrueHealthRD
