Type 2 Diabetes: Tips for a Summer of Healthy Cookouts
Nearly everyone knows about the dietary risks of summertime
cookouts; the menu tends to be loaded with items that are high in fat,
high in calories, and full of grease.
in your next cookout to ensure that your menu stays tasty, but won’t
ruin your dietary goals. Here are some healthy food choices to add to
your next cookout:
Grill Veggies
Cut veggies, such as peppers and onions, to roughly the diameter of a silver dollar. Dust them with a light layer of extra virgin olive oil and season to taste.
the veggies alongside your hotdogs and hamburgers for about 20 minutes,
or until the veggies are tender and hot.
Mayo-free Potato Salad
Not all potato salads
require mayonnaise. In fact, without the mayo, potato salads can be
quite healthy and incorporate not only a healthy dose of carbohydrates,
but also onions, celery, oils, and dairy. Check online for mayo-free
potato salad recipes that suit your taste buds.
Full-Fruit Popsicles or Icees
Instead
of offering ice cream or another high fat, high sugar dessert, plan
ahead and make your own full-fruit popsicles or icees.
appropriately sized and shaped container, add small fruit chunks, and
serve. You can find popsicle trays in just about any grocery store.
Limit the Alcohol
Most people enjoy having a summertime beverage, such as a margarita, daiquiri, or even a simple beer during a cookout.
While a splurge may not hurt every now and then (as long as you
monitor your blood sugar level), it is always a good idea to have
low-sugar alternatives. One of the best low-sugar alcohol beverages is
rum and diet coke.
The Right Melons
Watermelons are classic cookout favorites. However, watermelons are notorious for having loads of sugar and calories in them.
serving watermelon wedges at your next cookout, opt instead for
honeydew or cantaloupe.
You’ll still enjoy a flavorful slice, but you’ll only get about half the calories and sugar.
