How to Host a Healthy BBQ the Entire Neighborhood Will Love
What do you consider the best part of summer? Is it sunny days spent out on the water? Perhaps its the refreshing freedom of having time to read a book on the porch? Or maybe it’s that magical backyard BBQ where the entire neighborhood comes together to share good food, fun and laughter. This year, it’s time to step up and host your very own healthy cookout. Create a private community on GetAssist and invite the block! You can even start a sign-up list to encourage neighbors and friends to bring their own culinary creations. Whether you’re celebrating 4th of July or Canada Day, these five delicious swaps will make your party an epic success.
1. Keep the grill going, but serve kabobs instead of hot dogs
You borrowed your neighbor’s lawnmower last week, and they’re expecting a summer party in return. But you aren’t making hotdogs or hamburgers! Don’t worry, firing up the grill is a summer pastime you never have to give up. Luckily grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook, and it adds that amazing charbroiled flavor so you’re less likely to reach for sugar-laden condiments and sauces. Did you know five tablespoons of ketchup has as much sugar as three tablespoons of vanilla frosting, according to this infographic from the Cleveland Clinic? Swap hot dogs for these pork and veggie kabobs. They’re colorful, easy to eat while standing and pack a flavorful punch!
2. Go for turkey sliders on lettuce instead of traditional burgers
These red, white and blueberry turkey sliders are an adorable culinary creation. The red comes from roasted red peppers, the white from feta cheese crumbles and the blue from a blueberry balsamic reduction that’s to die for! Replacing regular burgers for these turkey sliders is a no brainer! They automatically help with portion control, and replacing the buns for lettuce cuts down on processed carbs you won’t even miss. No need for unhealthy condiments on these either.
3. Serve a yummy bean salad instead of baked beans
Traditional baked beans aren’t good for anything except making everything else on your plastic plate soggy. But beans are naturally healthy and we’re insisting they stay. Swap these famous baked beans (not only do they have brown sugar, but they also have maple syrup and ketchup!) for this health-friendly summer bean salad that’s sure to impress your guests. The blackened shucked corn is a must-have ingredient!
4. Make sweet potato salad instead of the traditional stuff
Just because it’s called a salad doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. Side dishes should not only satisfy the palette, but should also add nutritional benefits to your meal. By using sweet potatoes and removing mayonnaise you’re instantly upping the health factor (learn everything you ever needed to know about potatoes here). If you only make one dish from this post, trust us. This roasted sweet potato salad is it. Bacon + lime + balsamic vinegar + red pepper flakes + cinnamon = flavor fireworks!
5. Try fruit-infused water instead of sugary sodas
Refrain from filling your fridge with sodas, sports drinks and other sugar-laden beverages. Last week we shared 10 recipes for healthy fruit-infused water. Read them. Find some you like. Make large quantities of them. Listen to your friends rave! To add an extra ‘hostess with the mostest’ touch, put your various drinks in chic glass beverage dispensers. The fruit is a beautiful addition to any Canada Day spread.
Be sure to invite your friends or people you want to meet, and organize the dishes and drinks for your healthy BBQ on a Neighborhood Community on GetAssist.
