That’s it, Summer is officially here. With that come longer days and late nights. And warm longer days often mean spending more time outside and hanging out with friends, family and loved ones at Summer Cookouts, potlucks and picnics. The temptations at those type of events are plentiful but I am here to help you stay on track with your healthy goals all the while enjoying your summer parties and various cookouts. Today’s post is all about my: Top 8 Tips for a Healthy Summer Cookout! Because you can have your cake and eat it too!!

Some of these tips are very practical while others might require a bit more preparation and planning. Nonetheless, these 8 tips will be easy to follow this Summer and your body will thank you for it, trust me.

Here is how to enjoy your summer cookouts without ending up bloated, intoxicated and feeling like crap the next day:

Top 8 Tips for a Healthy Summer Cookout

1. Take a look around & browse first

To avoid overeating and stuffing your face with whatever comes your way, first things first: take a look around. Take your time and scope the situation. Make a mental note of what you will definitely be putting on your plate and what you will avoid at all cost!

2. Focus on water-based foods

Once you have taken a look around, note all of the dishes and foods that are high in water and make sure to fill your plate with those mostly. That means, if you see some fruits, fresh salads, fresh veggies with dips, or even grilled and roasted veggies; choose them first. These are the foods that you want to fill your plate with mostly.

3. Avoid the salty snacks

Salty snacks such as chips, crackers, nachos, and pretzels are high in sodium. What this will do is make you thirsty and dehydrated. On top of that, most of these foods are often very low in nutrition. So save your precious stomach’ space for nutrients-dense foods.

4. Stick to grilled versus fried foods

This tip is another easy but important one. Whenever you get to your summer cookout, chances are you will find a plentiful amount of meats, fishes or even vegetables (hopefully). Well, make sure you do avoid the fried foods. Stick to grilled or roasted fish, meats and veggies. These are a healthier option than their greasy and fried counterparts.

5. Stay hydrated & Avoid sodas, juices & fruity cocktails

Do you know what all these have in common? Sugar. Please don’t spoil your afternoon by over-burdening your liver and digestive system with excessive amounts of liquid sugar. Not only will it contribute to fat retention, cellulite and weight gain but it will also impede your digestion and leave you bloated and feeling heavy at the end of the night. Instead, I suggest you stick to water as much as possible or fruit and herbs infused water like this strawberry-mint drink below.

6. Eat fruits on an empty stomach

Again this tip is a really simple one but it will save your life and help you prevent bloating, gas and indigestion. Fruits are high in water-content and they digest really quickly. Most people eat them after a big meal as dessert and then feel super heavy, bloated and gassy. Avoid that situation and eat your fruits first or at least 2 hours after your big feast. They will digest a lot more easily.

7. Limit the alcohol consumption

It’s summer and it’s hot outside. So many times, people get thirsty and grab alcoholic beverages to quench their thirst. This is so counter-intuitive! Indeed, alcohol is a heavy diuretic and it dehydrates your body. So, please when it’s super hot outside and the sun is hitting hard, avoid or limit your alcohol consumption. Choose to drink water, or fresh lemonade or alternate each glass of alcohol with 2 glasses of water to keep your body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and intoxication.

8. Bring healthy alternatives with you

Last but not least… the best way to enjoy a healthy summer cookout is to actually bring some healthy alternatives for you to eat, drink and share with your friends & family. My favourite foods to bring to a summer cookout are: fresh guacamole, hummus, grilled vegetables, fresh lemonade (sweetened with a bit of raw honey or stevia), potato salad, freshly-cut veggies, fruits brochettes and raw desserts like these: delicious chocolate truffles. Avoid temptations and bring your own decadent but healthy foods and you won’t feel deprived from anything.

And there you have it folks. What are your favourite healthy foods to bring or eat at a summer cookout? Please share them in the comments below.

On that note: Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians and a Happy Fourth of July in advance to my fellow Americans.

Here is to a healthy and safe Summer!

Sarah.