subject: Top Five Tips for keeping the calories out of your 4th of July Cookout [print this page] Top Five Tips for keeping the calories out of your 4th of July Cookout
As we celebrate 234 years of American independence this Fourth of July, let's not depend on a high-calorie cookout.
"The holiday cookout is one of the biggest challenges to a successful diet," says Dr. Don Gates, owner and medical director of MyDietSolutions.com. "It's an excuse to get off the diet and not pay attention to what you eat or drink."
Five tips will ensure you have a full and healthy summer holiday cookout.
Grilled meats have fewer calories than fried meats. Much of the fat burns away as meat grills, whereas frying adds calories from the oils and breading.
Consider bird burgers instead of hamburgers. Burgers made from ground turkey have the same number of calories but half the fat. Ground chicken burgers are also low in fat with 30 to 50 fewer calories. If you stick with ground beef, make sure it is learn (90% ground beef or higher) to cut those calories.
Dress your meat with low-calorie toppings. Replace high-calorie toppings like cheese and mayo with fancy mustard, hot sauce or salsa. A distinctive, delicious burger with French mustard, soy sauce, salsa and meats named after the German cities of Hamburg and Frankfurtwhat could be more All-American than that?
Have something crispy or crunchy with your sandwichlike vegetables. Instead of French fries or potato chips, reach for crispy carrots, celery or cucumbers. Top these fresh vegetables with healthy, low-calorie dressings like salsa or hummus.
Free yourself from the food table. Center your celebration on family and activities and spend less time around the food. Take small portions of food, and don't go back for seconds. If you are going drink alcohol, nurse your drink and consume less. "It's a good way to be part of the social situation without putting your diet in danger," says Gates.
