Written By: Stefanie Weaver MS, RDN & Gina Ruskie, RDN
With summertime rolling in along with its much-anticipated warmer weather, outdoor fun is a must. Enjoy your next barbeque with friends & family using these tips!
All Foods Fit
All foods can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, however it is best to aim for eating less saturated fat, salt and added sugars and including more fruits & vegetables, good fats like unsaturated fat, whole grains and lean proteins.
Take advantage of the summer months by checking out fresh, in-season produce and make delicious side dishes such as this Summer Corn Salad. A grill basket is a great way to prepare a variety of fruits and vegetables without falling through the grill cracks such as these Vegan Corn Veggie Kabobs or Cilantro-Lime Pineapple Chicken Skewers!
Food safety is a must
Food safety is a top priority, so follow these summer grilling rules from the USDA to prevent foodborne illness. Make sure you first properly clean your hands. Also thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before preparation and separate any raw foods from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure the meat and poultry such as in this Grilled Chicken Salad and fish such as in this Ancho-Honey Glazed Salmon reach their proper cooking temperatures as shown below:
- Beef, pork, lamb, and veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145°F (with a 3-minute rest time)
- Ground meats (including burgers and hot dogs): 160°F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts, and ground poultry: 165°F
- Fish: 145°F
Don’t forget to hydrate!
Summer months can get hot so don’t forget you may need some extra fluids to compensate. Sugar-sweetened beverages are not the best way to hydrate so swap out those sugary drinks for a zero-calorie beverage with no added sugars such as unsweetened tea. For larger crowds, try our Lipton family size unsweetened black tea bags, also available in natural peach flavor. Simply brew one tea bag with 1-quart boiling water for 3 minutes, add 3 quarts of fresh cold water and ice. Then enjoy!
Simple summer pleasure
Be mindful of dessert choices and the portion sizes and when possible, choose a calorie-conscious option. Whether you’re in the mood for something made with fruit or made with milk or both, Popsicle Fruit Twisters can be your go-to better-for-you frozen treat the whole family is sure to love! With 70 calories it’s a win-win!
Happy Summer!