Studies have shown that most Americans devour a hamburger AND a sausage link at most barbeques. How about just choosing one to prevent sabotaging your health and wellness efforts? If you choose to indulge in a bratwurst or sausage, there is good news. If you keep your serving to one Johnsonville® link, you can enjoy guilt free for 200-270 calories. Plus over 60% of the total fat in each link is heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Good news for your barbeque!

Salads and side dishes often make up a large part of the festivities, but these can be huge calorie-traps. Try using Hellmann’s® mayonnaise with canola oil in your macaroni salad to cut back on calories and get a hearty dose of heart healthy fats. Also try using Daisy® light sour cream in place of full-fat sour cream to cut back on saturated fat and calories.

No get-together is complete without dessert-- but pick cautiously. Pies and cakes can harbor extra sugar, fat and calories – none of which are appealing during beach season. Instead, try sprinkling Equal® over fresh strawberries or berries for a lighter sweet treat. If you are still partial to a celebratory pie, try using Equal® to reduce calories. Because sugar substitutes are sweeter than traditional sugar, you can use less, and Equal® packets can be packed safely and conveniently for your barbeque.

The best way to take part in a healthy barbeque is to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies can even be tossed on the grill to enhance the flavor and excite your palate. They are a low-calorie solution that won’t leave you feeling deprived. Prepping fruits and veggies at home eases stress during cooking, and they also travel well in a closed container.

Once you have a healthy menu planned for your summer celebration, always remember food safety. Even the healthiest foods can turn dangerous if they’re not handled correctly or kept at proper temperatures. If you have any questions, or would like to contact Whitney, email her at centsablehealth@farewaystores.com.