To celebrate 4th of July weekend, I thought I'd share 4 awesome ideas for fun summer BBQs that are healthy, delicious and festive!
1. Start off with guilt-free grilling! Skip the fatty burgers and high calorie hot dogs, instead- choose these great options: fat free all-beef hot dogs or turkey dogs (I always choose Hebrew National with only 45 calories per dog), Boca Burgers or Turkey Burgers (100-160 calories per patty. I like the Ballpark turkey burgers and the original variety Boca Burger. Both have 120 calories), chicken breast, lean steaks (like the 4oz Nolan Ryan Filet for 120 calories), and pre-seasoned chicken or beef fajita meat is a great choice! I usually go with the Kroger brand (the chicken has 120 calories per 3oz serving and the beef has 160 per 3oz serving).
Another tip here, skip the bun if you can! Who needs extra carbs when you're saving up calories for desserts and cocktails. If you do have bread, choose 100 calorie sandwich thins or hot dog buns with about 100 calories. Kroger hot dog buns have 110 calories each.
2. Offer up healthy choice sides for the outdoor fiesta. Make them fun and festive! The cuter-the healthier-the better. That's my philosophy!
-Fruit kebabs for a colorful party
-Strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and banana slices for the 4th of July. Make them into a flag if you'd like!
-Grilled up veggies for any summer night! Zucchini, squash, corn, carrots, mushrooms... Choose colorful veggies for a beautiful presentation
-Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa for a Mexican Fiesta (see #4 below for a margarita tip!)
- Baked Potatoes with low fat cheese, fat free sour cream and spray butter for an evening dinner with steaks. Date Night at home!
3. Something Sweet!
The healthy dessert options are endless, but here are my 2 favorite choices...
--Ice Cream Sundaes: The perfect way to cool off and guests have fun making their own! Start off with a scoop of low fat or sugar free vanilla ice cream and top with a little of everything. Fresh Fruit, low fat chocolate syrup, a dash of sprinkles, a few crushed nuts, fat free whipped cream and a cherry on top! Stay clear of candies or crushed cookies.... The toppings above will fill you up just fine!
--Popsicles: Fun, colorful and sugar free Popsicles are usually cheep and yummy, plus- it's one less thing to make! Look for fruity flavored pops with 10-20 calories each. Awesome! Here is a fun Pinterest tip (that can also add to any party theme): add a cupcake liner to the bottom of your pops to prevent a spill or sticky fingers! Love it!
4. Cocktails- crystal light style!
I absolutely love all three mock-tail flavors in the summer! Stir up a fresh pitcher of margarita crystal light with tequila, appletini with vodka, or mojito with vodka! Each mix has 5 calories per 8oz. + the liquor of course. A 3oz tequila or vodka shot is roughly 70 calories. I also highly suggest enjoying them in a super fun and colorful summer glass!
Happy Summer!
