Monday, July 16, 2012

Beyond the Bun…

My clients always are telling me that they gain weight in the summer. With weddings, BBQs and vacations, I can understand why. However, as much as they may argue with me, I will always hold true to the fact that a healthy summer BBQ is not hard to host. Let’s get creative and go beyond the bun…



Why have you done a good thing?

I love a juicy hamburger as much as the next girl, but eating burgers, chips, pickles, and coleslaw, the calories can add up fast.  However, cooking out on the grill doesn’t have to be detrimental to your waistline. Grilling can be a great way to keep the calories low, the flavors fresh, and cook-time fast! 
Try this menu on for size:

Healthy Appetizers:

1)    Mango Guacamole with corn chips – 1 mango, 1 guacamole, ½ red onion, 3 tbsp salsa, 1 tsp garlic powder, splash of lime juice.

Surf Kabobs – Cubed halibut or red snapper marinated in lemon juice and pepper, with pineapple, tomatoes, and red onions (try grilled chicken if your kids won’t eat fish!)

Bison Sliders – Lean, mean and hearty bison instead of beef with all the traditional toppings on whole wheat slider buns (try Arnold’s 100 calorie whole wheat buns). Serve up 5 oz of raw bison, grilled until an internal temperature reaches 145 degrees and top with sliced tomato, red onion, ketchup and lettuce.

Grilled corn, peppers, avocado and black beans – Grill corn on the cob and 2 sliced bell peppers. Take the corn of the cob and chop the peppers and put in a large bowl. Cub the avocado and rinse the black beans and add to the bowl. Stir carefully. Top with lime juice and fresh cilantro and serve immediately.



And for dessert:
Grilled peaches and plums with low-fat French vanilla froyo (try Stonyfield Farm frozen yogurt). Serve up ½ cup frozen yogurt with 1 peach and 1 plum per person.  



Try these easy, simple ideas on for size…Impress yourself on how simple it was.

--Amy Santo, MS RD CDN

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