{"id":36709,"date":"2023-07-19T19:50:26","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T19:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=36709"},"modified":"2023-07-19T19:50:27","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T19:50:27","slug":"sneaky-hacks-for-a-healthier-summer-barbecue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/sneaky-hacks-for-a-healthier-summer-barbecue\/","title":{"rendered":"Sneaky Hacks for a Healthier Summer Barbecue"},"content":{"rendered":"

With cocktails flowing, cheeseburgers sizzling, mayo-dressed sides in ample supply and a seemingly endless array of ice cream treats, summer barbecue menus can be as filling as a Thanksgiving feast. But with these healthy summer potluck tips in your back pocket, you can celebrate the season and feel energized, balanced and excited to do it all again next weekend.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

Similar to our wellness survival guides for Thanksgiving<\/a> and Christmas<\/a>, we promise we aren\u2019t going to ask you to count calories or abstain from all the \u201cfun\u201d foods of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Just like you can do too much in terms of your skin care routine<\/a> and exercise agenda<\/a>, you can also overdo it by focusing too much on healthful eating<\/a>. The key to nearly everything in life is finding that happy balance near the center of the seesaw. At summer potlucks and barbecues, this means that joyful middle ground between indulgence and nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n

\u201cSummer is so fleeting and is meant to be savored,\u201d says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN<\/a>, a Dobbs Ferry, New York\u2013based nutritionist and author of the upcoming Everyday Snack Tray<\/em><\/a>. \u201cOf course, I also understand that folks are looking to stay in balance all week long and don\u2019t want to feel like they\u2019ve overdone it at any one event. I\u2019d recommend building a balanced plate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Healthy<\/figure>\n\n\n

Enjoying social gatherings is<\/em> possible without feeling like you have to surrender your health goals (or your digestive comfort<\/a>, hangover-free<\/a> head and more), adds Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, CPT<\/a>, a San Diego-based registered dietitian and the author of the Air Fryer Cookbook for Dummies<\/em><\/a> <\/em>and Instant Pot Cookbook for Dummies<\/em><\/a>. These summer grilling ideas, healthy summer recipes, savvy sipping and snacking strategies and more showcase how to hit the sweet spot between healthy fueling and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n

Mindful Eating Strategies for Meals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

If you arrive at the gathering famished, it can feel nearly impossible to avoid the allure of a whole rack of ribs or a family-sized bag of chips. Before you dig in to your main meal, consider taking the edge off with a snack, salad or side dish. If you\u2019re in charge of bringing along the appetizers or snacks to add to the spread, consider one of these crowd-pleasing swaps that sneak in some nutrition\u2014plus satisfying fiber<\/a> and\/or protein<\/a>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n