How to Avoid Extra Calories at Your Summer Barbeques

08. Jul, 2009 Comments Off

Burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, macaroni salad…Who doesn’t love a good summer barbecue? But even the most diligent dieter can overlook the small stuff that adds the most empty calories. Here are a few tips and summer favorites that enhance the flavor of your food, without sacrificing your hard work:

Stay away from creamy sauces and dressings. Most dressings have anywhere from 45-70 calories per tablespoon.
Do load up on mustard (with only 5 calories per teaspoon), salsa (which has less sugar and salt than ketchup, dill pickles and relish, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers.
Make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice.
Try new flavorings. If you tend to lean towards the old standbys of ketchup and mayo, opt for a new taste with soy sauce, Worchestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish or natural herbs and spices like fresh basil or cilantro.
Skip the mayo and opt for a topping of coleslaw made with vinaigrette.
Stay away from ranch dip and butter if at all possible. Ranch has about 75 calories per tablespoon. Opt for hummus or bean dip instead.

What alternatives to high-calorie condiments do you use at your summertime barbeques?

photo via stock.xchng.