Cut 1,000 Calories from Your Cookout Without Cutting Flavor

Spring, summer or fall, we like our cookouts. It’s a great way to get outdoors and spend time with your family. But, too many cookouts might lead to too many calories.

Not to worry. Katie Wellington, Community Health Network registered dietitian, gives us a step-by-step plan for cutting 1,000 from your cookout plate.

4 ways to cut cookout calories

Be intentional about what you’re putting on your plate. A few simple swaps can cut calories:

• Choose chicken or turkey over beef (cuts 200 calories)
• Skip the bun (cuts 300 calories)
• Choose veggies and hummus over chips and dip (cuts 300 calories)
• Choose fruit for dessert, not a brownie (cuts 200 calories)

Total calories cut: 1,000

Be picky about your plate

Katie also recommends being picky: “Pick a smaller plate and fill half of it with fruits and veggies. When we pick a large plate, we’re more likely to fill it with unhealthy foods.”

So, get out there and enjoy your cookout…the perfect grill lines on a piece of chicken, that tasty sweet corn and juicy watermelon...and remember a few simple choices can make a big impact on your caloric intake.

Want more tips and tricks? Check out more Diet and Nutrition posts on Health Minute.