When you are trying to lose weight, you may feel as though you can no longer take part in many of the summer barbecue you love. This isn’t true. You can still enjoy all of the great aspects of summer, including barbecues with your friends and family. You just need to make the right food choices. Here are barbecue suggestions for weight loss.

1. Portions Matter

Often the problem with weight loss isn’t what you eat; it is how much. If you control portion sizes, you will be able to enjoy all manners of your favorite summer foods, including grilled steak. If you have one burger or a single piece of chicken, for example, you will be able to have summer favorites such as potato salad or baked beans, within reason.

2. Watch Condiments

Many condiments have empty calories and fat. Mayonnaise and ketchup are good examples of condiments you should avoid. Even light mayonnaise has calories and fat, and ketchup is high in sugar. Mustard, however, is a good alternative for those who are looking to lose weight. It is also a good pairing with burgers, sausage, and hot dogs.

3. Buns Are Optional

If you watch portions you can sometimes include a bun with your meal. However, you may want to use a light bun or one containing whole grains to make a healthier food choice. Alternatively, you may want to hold the bun in favor of other meal choices. Place a burger on a bed of lettuce, or top it with salsa and you have a delicious meal without the added carbs.

4. High-Calorie Sides

There are many side dishes that we enjoy eating during the summer, especially at a barbecue. These sides often have a high calorie count, however, and can hurt your weight loss goals. Even 1/3 cup of baked beans has 104 calories. If you don’t want to forgo these treats, eat them in moderation and reduce your protein (meat choice) to compensate. Or you may want to search for low-calorie alternatives for these dishes. For example, if you reduce some of the mayonnaise in potato salad and replace it with low-fat plain yogurt, you can cut the calorie count in half.

5. Turkey Burger

Turkey burger is a low-fat, low-calorie alternative to beef. And because burgers have such a prominent role in summer barbecues, eating turkey burgers can help you with your weight loss goals. If you find turkey too dry and difficult to work with, try mixing half ground beef and half ground turkey to make the burgers more palatable. They hold together better when on the grill.

If you feel like you are missing out on the fun aspects of life, you may lose your motivation and fail to meet your weight loss goals. These 5 barbecue tips for weight loss will help you take part in summer festivities without hurting your weight loss efforts.

Weight Loss Village can help support you on your path to a healthier, happier and slimmer you. For online meal plans to meet your weight loss goals become a member today.