Definitive Guide to Healthy BBQ-ing!
Learn from Amy's guide and implement them into your Summer BBQ's!
How to keep your BBQ's healthy this Summer!
It’s that time of year when we all crank up the BBQ’s and gather to enjoy the sunshine! Don’t worry, we have you covered with this definitive guide to healthy BBQ-ing.
Our Pre-BBQ Tips:
Intention
Start your day with healthy intention. It is much easier to throw in the healthy eating towel if you perceive that you have already been ‘naughty'. Whilst I don’t believe in ‘good’ or ‘naughty’, your subconscious may do, so give yourself a fighting chance by choosing health from the beginning. This may look like exercise, smoothies, meditation, journalling, etc.
Eat For Nourishment
Try to consume an abundance of healthy, nourishing foods during the day. The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, if there are limited healthy options available at the BBQ you can be content knowing that you have already eaten enough vitamins and minerals! Secondly, if you are filled with a variety of nutrient dense foods, you are less likely to be craving unhealthy foods later on.
Pre-snack
Snacking before the BBQ is a great idea to make sure you aren’t turning up ravenous! You often won’t have control of when the main meal will be served and the longer it takes, the more enticing chips and dip become. Pre-snack on food that is nutritious and filling to avoid the rumbling stomach and inevitable staring competition with the cheese board. Fruit, smoothies or avocado toast are some great alternatives!
Negotiables
Before the BBQ, consciously think of what you do and don’t feel comfortable eating and drinking. For example, having a healthy option on your plate may be a non-negotiable for you, so you may elect to bring a salad. Alternatively, drinking a whole lot of tequila may also be a non-negotiable for you. You may decide that your limit is two for the night, these are your non-negotiables!
Choosing BBQ Food Wisely
Meat
Some light options for meat include fish, chicken and lean steak cuts. Fattier options include salmon (the healthy kind of fat), pork, lamb, fatty steak cuts and sausages. Choose your meat according to preference, appetite and health goals. A great way to increase the nutritional value is to go ‘naked’ and use a lettuce leaf as an alternative to a bun and load your plate with salad.
Meat alternatives
Falafel (not deep fried), lentil pattie, grilled halloumi and marinated BBQ tofu strips are a few delicious alternatives to meat.
Salad
You can’t go wrong with a simple green salad or coleslaw. These are also great burger toppers however, I would usually add a second, more lavish salad such as roast pumpkin, brown rice or potato salads. The DediKate recipe page is great salad recipes!
Sides
Sides may include: halved capsicums, zucchini slithers, flat mushrooms or corn cobs cooked on the barbie. There is also potatoes or kumara, either baked or made into chips or wedges. Use an air fryer or bake in the oven with minimal oil.
Snacks
A fruit platter is always a hit with the young and old. Adding small amounts of dark chocolate, cheese and nuts to the platter are also great options. Alternatively, veggie sticks are delicious paired with healthy dips. Carrots, cucumber, celery, cauliflower and capsicum goes very nicely with hummus, pesto, tzatziki or cottage cheese!
Alcohol, yay or nay?
Abstinence
During this time of year it can feel like you have to be seen having a good time and you don't want to be the 'party pooper' if you do not have a drink. Please know that “no thankyou” IS an option if you feel it’s the best thing for your health, especially if you are attending a lot of events! There is increasingly a lot more non-alcoholic drinks that mimic alcoholic drinks in taste and looks.
Lighter options
There are also many light beers and low alcoholic wines available. Some slightly healthier drink options include cocktails such as a bloody mary, mojito and margaritas! Spirits mixed with soda water, sparkling water or sugar free mixers are also another option. A great jug idea includes a sangria or punch with a no added sugar juice and sparkling water.
Let’s Sum It Up
It’s BBQ time! BBQ’s are known to be less than healthy however, this guide will help you have a healthy BBQ this Summer. Make sure to have a pre-BBQ strategy. Focus on your health, eat lots of nutrient dense food, have a pre-BBQ snack and consider your non-negotiables before you attend. At the BBQ, choose foods that align with your goals and load your plate with tasty salads, veggie side dishes and fruity snacks to increase the nutritional value. If you choose to drink, there are many lighter alcohol options available. Ultimately, make sure to enjoy the BBQ! Happy summer everyone!
