Newswise — On the Fourth of July, many of us like to enjoy the holiday by having a barbecue with family and friends. But with all that food and alcohol, the day can often turn into a nutritional pitfall.
Two dietitians at UCLA Health – Erin Morse and Dana Hunnes – share their tips on how to host a healthy Fourth of July cookout without putting a damper on the festivities.
Use the grill for plant-based options rather than meats
"Grills aren't just for meats," says Morse, who is chief clinical dietitian at UCLA Health. "Instead of throwing hamburger patties or hot dogs on the grill, try hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks."
She also recommends grilling veggie skewers by stacking zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and even pineapple.
Beef burgers are a staple of Fourth of July barbecues, and some guests may feel the holiday is incomplete without them. Hunnes, a senior dietitian at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and an adjunct assistant professor at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health, says plant-based burgers are a much healthier alternative to meat.
"There are so many different veggie burgers on the market now that surely there's one to fit everyone's taste preferences,” says Hunnes.
For those who really can't do without meat, Hunnes says that chicken and turkey are healthier options – for our bodies and the environment.
Keep the alcohol at bay
Solo cups and the Fourth of July may go together hand-in-hand, but that doesn't mean everyone should go overboard with the alcohol.
Lighter alcohol options, like a wine-cooler, are healthier than some other options, like a full-calorie beer. Partygoers should also be aware of the dangers of mixing alcohol and the sun.
"If you choose to drink alcohol, you need to make sure you and your guests are hydrating," says Hunnes. "It's best to double fist: have one non-alcoholic drink in one hand and your alcoholic drink in the other."
Hosts can provide their guests with fun non-alcoholic drink options, says Hunnes, including sparkling waters and fruit-infused waters.
Try healthier, homemade condiments
"There are a lot of hidden sugars in some of your favorite condiments, from barbecue sauce to ketchup to salad dressings," says Morse. "Make sure to buy condiments that aren't loaded with sugar and high-fructose corn syrup."
For salad dressing, Morse recommends creating your own.
"Take a blender and blend olive oil, vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, and a fresh garlic clove. You'll have a dressing that's both delicious and a lot healthier than a pre-made dressing from the store."
Get creative with side dishes
Typical side dishes, like macaroni salad and potato salad, can be heavy and packed with calories, says Hunnes.
She suggests serving guacamole and hummus as side dishes. Both have higher fiber and fewer calories while still being filling.
If potato salad is on the menu, Hunnes recommends making a vinegar-based version instead of mayonnaise. Ditching the mayo will also help protect the food against quick spoilage.
Keep the foods colorful
"When people think of festive holidays, they typically think of colorful foods," said Hunnes. "There are tons of ways to brighten up the food you're serving without buying a cake with colorful frosting."
Hunnes suggests making sure the colors in your food are coming from natural ingredients and not from food dyes. A diverse array of fruits and vegetables will add a splash of color to your party.
Morse says you can even put fruit such as watermelon, apricots, plums, or peaches on the grill for a short time. They'll not only add color to the party, but they'll serve as healthy dessert options as well.
This year, do your best to enjoy a Fourth of July that's not only fun but also healthy. And – as a bonus for the environment – Hunnes reminds us to recycle if using plastic plates or flatware, or try compostable and renewable options made of bamboo or paper.
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