Grilling Out Without Gaining Weight

August in Wisconsin means the days are still long and warm, so you don’t have to put your grill away anytime soon. It’s as easy to make outdoor cooking and eating healthful as it is to make it unhealthful.

Studies have shown the average American barbecue can contain more than 2,000 calories and 120 grams of fat per plate. Add in alcohol and other beverages the numbers climb higher yet.

Follow these easy ideas to burn calories off your next cookout:

• Put some chicken on that grill instead of just cooking hot dogs and hamburgers (leave the skin on for cooking, and take the skin off before you eat it).
• Do away with the white-bread hot dog and hamburger buns. Whole-wheat buns are healthy and flavorful.
• Skip the chips. Opt for sliced fruits or steamed veggies instead.
• Swap out soda for water or naturally flavored drinks that are lower in sugar.
• Make your own barbecue sauce with natural ingredients. Most supermarket sauces are high in high fructose corn syrup and other sugars.
• Substitute low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise for regular in coleslaw and pasta salad.
• Limit alcoholic drinks, which contain extra calories and increase appetite.

Try even a few of these tips next time you grill out, and you’ll enjoy a tasty meal while feeling good about what you’re eating.