Pick and Pass: Best Summer BBQ Foods
Grilling season is upon us, which means loads of yummy foods coated in sugary sauces. Here, we give you the best choices to make this BBQ season so you can eat without guilt.
By Colleen Moody
Pick: A Hamburger
Pass: Hotdogs
"Hamburgers have fewer additives, and they are lower in fat than hot dogs if you skip the cheese and mayo," says Holly Moiser, author of Stress Less, Weigh Less and creator of the yoga DVD 10-Minute Yoga with Holly Mosier. "Here's a trick: I always eat under the top layer of the bun - I peel it back when I go in for a bite, but keep it in place so I have something to hold onto while I'm eating it. This way, I've skipped eating half the bun by the time I've finished."
Pick: A Mojito
Pass: Margaritas
"Mojitos are generally less in calories than a margarita," says Mosier. That's because mojitos use plain club soda (which is a big zero on the calorie scale), while margarita mix is about 100 calories for four ounces. "If you really want a skinny drink, order a mojito, skip the sugar and use a zero calorie sugar substitute instead," recommends Mosier. Also add lots of iceit cuts the calories and sugar while also causing you to sip your drink a little slower.
Pick: Baked Beans
Pass: Potato Salad
Potato salad tends to come with a lot of extra fat because of all the mayo used to make it. Beyond that, potatoes are usually higher in sugar than baked beans (as long as you drain the sweet sauce baked beans sometimes swim in). Mosier says to go with the less starchy choice, as potatoes can spike your blood sugar levels and leave you with an increased appetite later in the day.
Pick: Veggies and Dip
Pass: Chips and Guacamole
"Though guacamole has a lot of heart healthy fat in it from the avocado, it's still pretty high in calories," says Mosier. "As long as you are judicious with the dip (like hummus) you choose, non-starchy veggies are the better choice."
Pick: Angel Food Cake
Pass: Apple Pie
According to Mosier, apple pie is loaded with sugar, plus an average slice can clock in around 400 calories! Angel food cake is fat-free and has a lot less sugar. One slice will only set you back 100 calories, making this dessert the blue ribbon winner.
Pick: BBQ Pulled Pork
Also Pick: BBQ Chicken
When it comes to the main attraction at a summer BBQ, these two options are about dead even in calories while both being a great choice of lean protein. Mosier says to look at how each is preparedif the chicken is grilled with its skin on and can be taken off, that's probably your best bet. Other than that, pick the one that appeals to your palate.
Pick: Corn on the Cob
Pass: Coleslaw
"Although coleslaw is made with cabbage (a super low calorie veggie with a surprising amount of vitamin C), it's also prepared with a lot of oil, like mayo and sugar," warns Mosier. "to be safe choose corn on the cob and go easy on the butter and salt." Another bonus: Corn on the cob is a controlled portion, so you're less likely to overeat!
For more information on Holly Mosier, visit hollymosier.com.





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