It is finally summer time and what better way to spend time with family and friends than with a barbecue, outdoors. Here are some easy tips for making your outdoor barbeque healthy!
- Incorporate some physical activity: take advantage of being outdoors with loved ones and enjoy some movement together. Try some inexpensive fun summer activities for the entire family such as playing tag or dancing to music. Other ideas for your kids are playing with chalk, hula hoops, jump ropes, and beach balls.
- Consider trying a new burger recipe with black beans. Try this healthy and affordable black bean burger recipe at your next outdoor bbq. It can be prepared ahead of time and frozen until ready to grill.
- Add fruits and vegetables that are in season: during the summer there are a lot of local produce that is in season. Remember to get some on your next trip to the farmers market or the grocery store. You can serve these fruits and vegetables as is or as a side in recipes such as watermelon and tomato salad or corn salad or peach salsa. Do not forget to use your Electronic benefit transfer card to save some money!
- Go light on the dessert: No barbecue is complete without the sweet ending of desert. Choose fresh fruit such as watermelon, peaches, blueberries, and strawberries or make of these favorite recipes, strawberry smores or yogurt popsicles.
- Rethink your drink: Serve water as the drink of choice and if you want to serve something with flavor consider this fizzy fruity water as an alternative to sodas that are high in sugar. Remember to stay hydrated, when spending time outdoors, especially for your little ones. Try flavoring water with lemons, fresh cucumber, and mint.
Ensure food is kept safe to consume. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold until it is ready to be served. For more food safety tips, check out this infographic about summer food safety.
