5 Foods to Avoid at the Barbecue—and What to Try Instead

When Memorial Day has come and gone, we all know what that means—summer is here to stay! It’s the season of carefree days lounging poolside, enjoying a balmy breeze and a good book, or heading to the hills for a challenging hike or bike ride. Whatever you do to enjoy your summer is totally great with us. Just make sure you take it all in because, as our pal Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

One thing that goes hand-in-hand with summer is the barbecue. There’s something about grilling food that gets us outside to connect with nature and (hopefully) with one another. If you’re like 60% of Americans, you enjoy a barbecue or two every summer. But as much fun as barbecues can be, they can also be tricky when it comes to maintaining your health goals. Don’t wait until you show up with your veggie tray to decide how much you’re going to eat and what you’re going to avoid. And no, we’re not referring to Uncle Ray. There’s sure to be a veritable smorgasbord of a buffet table at each barbecue you attend, and not everything will help you reach your health goals.

5 Foods to Avoid at A Barbecue

Never fear. You can enjoy barbecue season without sabotaging your diet. When you’re trying to stay focused on healthy eating, here are just a few things to avoid at the barbecue along with some helpful substitutions.

Appetizers

They’re comin’ in hot! Wings, cheese balls, chips, and more will hit you right as you walk in the door. Save your calories for the main event and try chatting it up with your friends instead. But if you must enjoy an appetizer, try these Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps.

High Calorie/High Sugar Beverages

These sneaky, sugar-loaded drinks will add up fast. Opt for water instead or bring your Trimstix with you for a flavored drink with purpose. Better yet, drink some before you head out to help you fight off the cravings from the start.

Potato Salad

It’s a classic, we know. If you must eat it, look for a healthier alternative, like a recipe with vinegar and olive oil instead of mayo, or try this Low-Carb Chicken Salad instead.

Cheeseburgers

Break free from this tradition and help your family try something new. These colorful Grilled Steak Skewers not only look beautiful but pack a punch of delicious vegetables and flavorful protein. They are the perfect barbecue recipe everyone will love.

Desserts

It all leads up to this—the final test. Come prepared with your own dessert. Bring some of these delicious No Bake Chocolate Cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth without undoing all your healthy choices.

You can walk away from the barbecue with your head held high, knowing that you came prepared, enjoyed yourself, and hopefully helped influence those around you to make healthier choices too.

Xyngular Helps You Stay on Track

When it comes to staying on track, Xyngular products can help you lose weight and change your habits. Each one is designed to help you make better choices, control your appetite, burn fat, resist cravings, improve digestion, and more. These, combined with Xyngular’s recipes and healthy eating plans, will help you reach your goals. Contact a Xyngular Distributor, or login to your Xyngular account to get started today.