Summertime is great for getting together with family and friends to have a good time with great food. However, eating healthy during these get-togethers can seem like a challenge. With these awesome summer BBQ and picnic ideas, eating healthy can be easy!
Sandwich Alternatives
Everyone knows that sandwiches are an easy item to bring for outings with friends. Instead of stopping at the nearest Subway for a party sub slathered in mayonnaise, make one of these healthy alternatives that your guests will love.
Hummus Veggie Spirals: These spirals are made with lavash — a very thin flatbread you can find in the deli section of your local grocery store — which allows you to cut down on the carbs that normal flatbreads offer. Spreading hummus on the lavash allows you to cut out the fattening mayo and other spreads, layer with any veggie of your choice, then roll up, cut & serve!
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels: This recipe takes on the classic ham & cheese sandwich that everyone knows and loves. Instead of bread, grab a low-carb tortilla and add a thin layer of cream cheese before throwing on the ham and cheese of your choice. Then roll them, cut them and serve them up for a twist on a classic your friends are sure to love!
Southwest Grilled Chicken Spring Rolls: This recipe will have your friends and family asking you how you made them all night long! First, start off with a rice wrap which is gluten free and healthier than many other bread alternatives. Then season your chicken with pops of flavor from cumin, garlic powder, chipotle powder and paprika to give the rolls a nice spice. After adding your protein, throw in a bunch of your favorite greens and veggies.
Satisfying Snacks
If your guests don’t fill themselves up off of the main dishes, you can move onto the healthy snack and side options.
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bites: You can never go wrong with buffalo chicken! For this simple side, mix a bit of cooked quinoa with chicken, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, buffalo sauce and bread crumbs. Once your filling is complete, scoop the mixture into mini muffin tins & bake! They come out crispy on the outside & soft on the inside making them absolutely delicious. We recommend serving them with a non-fat greek yogurt mixed with blue cheese and other spices of your choice.
Melon, Prosciutto & Mozzarella: This snack takes you back to an italian classic. Sweet melon with the salt of the prosciutto adds an amazing flavor combination. Paired with mozzarella cheese, you also get a creamy texture with the fresh taste.
Delicious Desserts
Even though you have had plenty of healthy dishes to enjoy, who doesn’t save room for dessert? We sure do! Take a look at these awesome desserts that are delicious and surprisingly good for you.
Banana Split Parfait: This sweet treat is perfect for summer get-togethers. With this version, substitute ice cream with a healthy whipped cream so that you don’t have to deal with a melting mess. Then top your whip with pecans or fresh fruits of your choice and drizzle the top with a homemade chocolate sauce to avoid the high fructose corn syrup of store sauces.
As you can see with these healthy twists on picnic picks, you can be sure to please your friends and family without having to feel any guilt from high sugar, high fat or high calorie foods. Try some of these recipes at your next get-together and enjoy your summer while living healthy!
