Summer is filled with delicious cookouts, BBQs and parties.  If you are watching your waistline, there are some foods you should either avoid, or have only in small portions.  Knowing what to watch out for at these cookouts will help you have fun, enjoy yourself, and keep losing weight!

When you go to a cookout, try to avoid these foods, or eat them in smaller portions:

Chips

Macaroni salad

Potato salad

Pasta salad

Other mayo based salads

Sausage, brats or kielbasa

Cocktails made with regular soda

Frozen cocktails like pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris

Although lean, grilled burgers can be a good option, generally people purchase higher fat, less expensive meats when hosting a cookout.  Hamburgers with a higher fat content can be much higher in calories than other the options in the list below.

Instead, focus on eating these:

Deviled eggs

Choose chicken brats over pork brats

Fresh fruit

Fresh or grilled vegetables

Kabobs

Pieces of whole meat, like chicken or fish

Salads made with fresh vegetables

Shellfish (like shrimp skewers)

Try bringing foods on the “instead, focus on eating these” list.  Doing so will ensure you will have some healthy options, and others will appreciate it, too!

Following these simple lists will help you enjoy every summer BBQ while staying on track to lose weight!

Olivera Weight Loss specializes in helping people lose weight.

We use research-proven strategies, approaches and tools to help our patients achieve successful weight loss.  We offer Phentermine, an FDA approved appetite suppressant proven to help patients lose weight, is available at Olivera Weight Loss for patients who qualify.  We offer all services in a caring, supportive environment. For more information on pricing and our other services, please visit our webpage or give us a call at 773-327-6624.  Follow us on Facebook for free weight loss tips, recipes and more.

*Please note, appointments are required for new patients and strongly encouraged for returning patients to minimize wait times.*