All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Pepe Nilsson, Getty Images
Summer is almost here, and with it comes prime barbecue season.
First rule: Don’t deprive yourself of foods you really love.
So enjoy a serving of your favorite dish, but focus on sticking with portion control.
And make a run at pick just one of your favorites to enjoysave the rest for the next cookout.
That way, you’re contributing,andyou know there will be a trusty option to fall back on.
Choose a lean protein.
Ian O’Leary, Getty Images
“Look for the lean protein,” suggests Kroplin.
“Youre going to get a whole lot less fat and cholesterol with turkey or chicken than pork.”
Related:This Barbecue Chicken Dinner Will Win The Week
2.
Fill half your plate with raw veggies and fresh fruit.
“Any fresh vegetable or fruit you could find, go for that first,” she says.
Things like chopped salad, sliced crudites, and watermelon (yum!)
are good options you might find at a barbecue.
This way, you’re filling up on nutritious, low-cal picks instead of heavier options.
Beans are a great source of fiber.
“Youre going to have a lot of flavor, too.”
However, be mindful that some preparations of baked beans can tack on fat and calories, she explains.
Another bean option that’s typically on the healthier side is a hearty bean salad, she adds.
Remember that classic corn on the cob is a vegetable (and a pretty delicious one, too).
“Its high in fiber, so its a great choice.”
Just be mindful about toppings, like butter and salt.
Try eating your burger bun-free.
If you’re going for a burger, fork-and-knife it to cut back on refined carbohydrates, suggests Newgent.
“You really want one to two servings of carbs, and thats it.
Big picture, right?
Reimagine your baked potato.
But if you’re trying to eat healthier, think strategically about your “loaded” toppings.
I wouldnt do butter, sour cream, and cheeseI would pick one, says Kroplin.
Cheese adds some protein and some calcium, too.
You could also go for a drizzle of ketchup or barbecue sauce, she says.
Related:A Registered Dietitian Shares 7 Carbs That Can Help You Lose Weight
7.
Choose kebabs with LOTS of vegetablesand meat, if you want.
rez-art, Getty Images
Have your steak and eat it, tooespecially if it’s served on a stick.
Eat a vinegar-based coleslaw instead of mayonnaise-based.
A vinegar-based coleslaw is a much better pick, explains Kroplin.
Typically, your vinegar-based coleslaws will not have as much fat, she says.
Unless theres added oil.
But hey, if traditional coleslaw is your number-one BBQ jam, treat yo self.
Just remember to try and stick with a single serving.
