Stay on Track at Your Next Summer Cookout

Cool down with a refreshing snack

Preparing a big bowl of fresh cut fruit is a perfect way to get your nutrients in while snacking. Enjoying fresh fruit at a cookout is the perfect way to stay satisfied and hydrated on a hot summer day.

Fruit Salad

1 lb. strawberries, 2 c grape, 3 kiwis peeled and sliced, 1 orange peeled and wedges cut out, 6 oz. blueberries, 6 oz. raspberries, 2 apples peeled and chopped.

*Try mixing it with some yogurt and/or nuts for added protein and fullness-factor!

Healthy snacks to keep you on track

Low carb mini bell pepper taco boats are a great high-protein snack and a unique addition to any party! Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat or substitute the meat with beans for a vegetarian option! Mix the meat with the taco seasoning and cook until browned, place the meat into the halved sliced peppers and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove and top with shredded cheese.

Mini Bell Pepper Taco Boats 1 bag mini bell peppers cut into halves, 1 pound of ground turkey, packet of taco seasoning, 1-2 cups shredded cheese.

Healthier alternatives for your main course

Fish is low in calories and high in protein and nutrients. Try grilling some shrimp kabobs for your next BBQ! Stack them with some colorful veggies for a healthy meal on a stick! Try pineapple, orange bell peppers, and onions for a citrus twist.

Shrimp Kabobs

1 pound shrimp, 1 cup pineapple (chopped), 1 orange bell pepper (sliced), 1/2 red onion (sliced)

Yummy and healthy sides to add

Potato salad and macaroni salad are a common theme at cookouts but, unfortunately, they are not the healthiest. These salads are packed with saturated fat and simple carbs. Try making a simple black bean, avocado, and corn salad. This will fill you up, with the fiber from the black beans and healthy fats from the avocado.

Black Bean, Avocado, Corn Salad

2- 15oz cans black beans, 1 1/2 cup corn kernels, 2 red pepper (diced), 2 avocados (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced) 2 tsp salt, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ cup olive oil, lime juice, cilantro

Enjoy a Little Dessert

Eating well doesn’t stop here. Stay away from packaged and processed baked goods- they have very little nutritional value. Use fresh fruit to make some tasty and nutritious sweets! Blend together frozen bananas to make banana ice cream! Add in a few dark chocolate chips for some added sweetness. Or try making a fruit skewer with a variety of berries or other fruit. Whip up a simple dipping sauce with yogurt, honey, and cinnamon to go along with it!

Banana Ice cream

1 frozen banana, blended until smooth, top with 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips – Add 1 tbsp peanut butter for some healthy fats and flavor!

Fruit Skewer

Variety of berries or other fruit, ½ cup yogurt, 1 tbsp honey, ½ tsp cinnamon