Healthy eating tips with holiday flair
For most Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer. If a picnic or barbecue is part of your holiday plans, here are some tips to help make the holiday memorable and healthy.
- Have a bite to eat before the party so you don’t arrive ready to gobble up whatever you see. Hummus and whole wheat crackers, yogurt, an apple or nuts will take the edge off any pre- party hunger.
- Give veggies a place on your plate. Munch on baby carrots or colorful bell pepper strips with light salad dressing or low-fat dip. Lighten up potato salad or cole slaw with reduced-fat mayonnaise, or mix it with fat-free Greek yogurt to cut some of the fat and calories.
- Grill more than hamburgers and hot dogs. Add veggies to the mix. Brush oil on sliced squash, peppers, eggplant, mushrooms. Turn it into a veggie kabob and start to fill up on the veggies, before going for the burgers and hot dogs.
- Add fruit to your dessert choices. Have some juicy watermelon or succulent fresh fruit.
- Drink water, seltzer, or unsweetened iced tea with lemon instead of sugar soda.
- Fit in some activity, like a group walk or game of softball with family and friends.
- Enjoy your burgers, chips and sweet desserts. No need to deny yourself traditional holiday foods. But do watch your portions and eat it slowly to truly enjoy it. Or try some healthier yet delicious grilled dishes and fabulous peach pecan pie by Shape Up America! chef Joanna.
Recipe for 05/16/12: Grilled Steak Salad
Recipe for 05/17/12: Lemon Vinaigrette
Recipe for 05/18/12: Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Citrus Glaze
Recipe for 05/19/12: Brown Rice with Mushrooms
Recipe for 05/20/12: Peach Pecan Pie
