Weight-loss Friendly Cookout Recipes

Cookout season is upon us. As the weather warms up and social distancing becomes more relaxed, cookouts are going to once again be one of our favorite social activities. With holidays like the 4th of July, a couple of cookouts are unavoidable. Cookouts can be as difficult as holidays for those who are making a lifestyle change. There are so many high-calorie options that it is important to be smart about what you are eating. If you need more tips on eating healthy on holidays or during other gatherings, click the link. If you do have a good handle on your nutrition, but you're struggling to find healthy sides to bring with you to the cookout, look no further. These recipes are healthy options that all your friends and family can enjoy. They are low-carb or low calorie which are great alternatives to other high carb and high calorie sides .

Avocado Bacon Dip

A creamy avocado dip that can made in minutes and used on almost anything. Smear it on a burger bun or eat it with vegetables for a very low carb option. Calories: 126, Fat: 12.2g, Carbohydrates: 4.5g, Fiber: 1.8g, Protien: 2.9g

Summer Pasta Salad

A healthy spin on pasta salad that will add some color to your table. It only takes minutes to prepare and it can be made for a big group. Calories: 233, Fat: 8.5g, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protien: 10.5g

Balsamic Vingear Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Skewers

If you have read my blog before you know how much I love zucchini, this recipe is no different. These are perfect for a low carb option during a cookout. Instead of a burger or hotdog, throw some of these onto the grill. Calories: 440, Fat: 22.2g, Carbohydrates: 4.5g, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugars: 2.8g, Protien: 53.1g

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These buffalo chicken stuffed sweet peppers are a great low carb appetizer option. These are for sure to be a crowd pleaser and the ingredients can be substituted for you specific nutritional needs.

Corn Salad

This five ingredient corn salad is colorful and tasty. It is completely plant-based making it a healthy and vegan option for a cookout side dish.

Key Lime Pie Stuffed Strawberries

A sweet treat that will satisfy your sugar craving. Who doesn’t love a strawberry and cheesecake combination! Calories: 25, Fat: 1.2g, Carbohydrates: 3g, Fiber: 0.6g, Sugars: 2g, Protien: 0.8g

Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark

Perfect treat to make for a hot day at a cookout. Everyone will love the fresh berries and frozen yogurt combination that is low calorie and delicious. Calories: 257, Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protien: 7g

I hope this recipes help you to make healthier choices when preparing sides for a cookout. These are all sides that allow you to enjoy your meal, as well as to keep you on track. In order to complete a lifestyle change, you do not have to be on a severely strict diet. Instead, adding healthier habits over time allows you to maintain these healthy habits long term.

I encourage all of my clients to enjoy their meals, but to make informed decisions about how these foods fuel their body and to be mindful with their eating.

If you want to learn more about how to get the results you want without “dieting,” visit the link for more information about The Refine YOU program. The Refine YOU program will provide you with a custom nutrition and fitness plan that helps you develop the skills to a create long term change. Be the healthiest YOU possible!