Labor Day BBQ bash can be healthy, tasty

CNHI News Service Originals

Related Photos

Instead of chowing down on fatty foods, consider making healthier choices over the holiday with these fresh ideas. Stock photo

Discussion

Add a comment on this story

September 2, 2011

Labor Day BBQ bash can be healthy, tasty

Make fresh choices for fun family meal

By Gillian Nicol CNHI The Meadville Tribune Fri Sep 02, 2011, 10:37 AM EDT

BIRMINGHAM — Labor Day weekend is a great time to spend outdoors with friends and family, firing up the barbecue and enjoying the weather. Instead of chowing down on fatty foods, consider making healthier choices over the holiday with these fresh ideas.

Snack time. Don’t ruin your appetite with trans-fat-filled french onion dip and potato chips. As an alternative, whip up a healthier option such as roasted eggplant and feta dip paired with whole wheat pita chips.

Toss it up. Consider loading your picnic table up with vinaigrette-based salads as they are a healthier option over a mayonnaise dressing. Combine your favorite in-season fruits for a delicious alternative salad.

BBQ challenge. Instead of grilling up steaks and burgers, think about leaner options like chicken, fish, or turkey burgers. Kebabs are also an option that are easy to eat outdoors. Your kids might even enjoy a taste of veggie burgers or tofu dogs.

Vegging out. While you’re throwing the meat on the grill, save room for roasted veggies. Asparagus, peppers, corn and zucchini are all great sides that can be cooked along with the main course. During preparation, think about your heart and go easy on the salt.

A little bubbly. You can avoid the calories of alcohol that are often consumed at outdoor gatherings by offering seltzer water with a spritz of fruit juice for a fresh drink experience. Hundred-calorie cans of diet sodas will also do the trick. Freeze tiny flowers in ice cube trays for an extra splash of color.

Frozen delight. Help cool your guests off by the end of the evening with homemade fruit juice popsicles, sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Popsicle molds are easy to come by and are reasonably priced. Add sliced fruit to your concoction for a fun and festive look.

Text Only

CNHI News Service Originals

Do cars have too many distracting gadgets?
New cars are a gadget freak's dream; sophisticated navigation systems, Internet connectivity for mobile devices, systems to monitor your driving habits and a system that automatically summons help.

August 3, 2012 1 Photo
Five myths about choosing a vice president
Every presidential election cycle, once a party's nominee becomes clear, we focus on the veepstakes. Who will Mitt Romney choose? Will he play it safe with a traditional pick, such as Walter Mondale in 1976 or Jack Kemp in 1996? Or take a chance, as John McCain did with Sarah Palin in 2008? Either way, there is no evidence that a vice presidential nominee plays a great part in voters' decisions. But that doesn't stop us from overhyping the selection process.

July 6, 2012
Gift card givers, beware: 6 tips to protect your purchase
Many shoppers looking for a simple, easy present for friends and family this holiday season will turn to gift cards, letting the recipient do the shopping at their favorite store or restaurant. But the Better Business Bureau says consumer complaints about gift cards are on the rise, and buyers need to beware of potential pitfalls.

December 14, 2011 1 Photo
Stay scared: 10 most haunted hotels in America An overnight stay at a haunted hotel is a nightmare come true for many thrill-seeking tourists, and travel website TripAdvisor has named the top 10 places where you can scare up a good vacation.
October 25, 2011
E-commerce raises question of sales tax fairness
A growing chorus of bricks-and-mortar small businesses are protesting what they see as tax law inequities driving them to the brink by requiring they collect and remit sales taxes while their electronic counterparts prosper through tax-free goods and services.

October 24, 2011 4 Photos 2 Stories 1 Video 1 Link
Conflicted politics deter sales tax reform
Lawmakers face political challenges in closing a legal loophole that allows online retailers to avoid paying sales taxes, as they weigh an issue of fairness against aversion to raising taxes.

October 24, 2011 3 Photos 4 Stories 1 Video
Eight must-see films to close out 2011
It's that time of the year, when all the films that are either designed to draw in big holiday bucks or win big 2012 awards get released. And those in love with cinema have dozens of options at the theater.

October 14, 2011 1 Photo
SLIDESHOW: Fall colors on display across the U.S. The change in seasons brings a vivid display of fall foliage. Check out this gallery of photos of autumn colors from across the United States.
October 14, 2011
Organic: Is it worth it?
“Organic” has long been one of those buzzwords floating around health- and food-conscious communities. The fact is, though, not a lot of studies actually confirm that people who eat organic food are more healthy than those who don’t.
SLIDESHOW: The 'dirty dozen' of fruits and veggies

September 23, 2011 1 Photo 1 Slideshow
Who will win Emmys? See most-nominated TV shows Some epic HBO dramas along with a few popular comedy staples lead the way in nominations for the 63rd annual Prime time Emmy Awards, which air Sunday night.
September 16, 2011 1 Photo
More CNHI News Service Originals Headlines

CNHI News Service Originals

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Labor Day BBQ bash can be healthy, tasty

Make fresh choices for fun family meal

Site Map

Contact Us