Summer is almost here and the arrival of warm weather and longer days makes us think of outdoor entertaining. That includes food, fun, family and friends. Here are some simple tips to make your next outdoor event a healthier one!
Trim Fat and Calories!
Gather your favorite recipes and plan ahead. Search online for some healthier additions to your menu by using search words like “reduced fat,” “low-fat,” “light” or “healthy” before your favorite food item. Choose lean ground beef or lean turkey for burgers and offer crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes with the condiments. Cut additional fat by using low fat/light mayonnaise in salads and applesauce or puréed fruit in place of some of the oil when baking. For more healthy substitutions
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Add Whole Grains or Fiber-Rich Foods to the Menu!
Serve burgers and hot dogs on delicious and nutritious Pepperidge Farm® Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns and Pepperidge Farm® 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns. Pepperidge Farm® Cheddar Goldfish® crackers made with Whole Grain are sure to be a hit with the kids. Serve Whole-Grain Toast Triangles with Hummus as an appetizer and offer fiber-rich side dishes like baked beans, tabouli or mixed bean salads.
Deliver the Veggies!
Grill up a wide variety of colorful and tasty veggies like summer squash, zucchini, peppers, onions, mushrooms, eggplant, sweet potatoes and corn on the cob. Campbell’s Certified Master Chef Tom Griffiths recommends marinating your vegetables in advance with a little canola oil, fresh herbs, lemon or lime juice and flavored vinegars to help prevent sticking and enhance the flavor. Remember to cut vegetables in uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you don’t have a grill, oven roasting works just as well!
Fruitful Fun!
A colorful basket of exotic fruits can do double duty as a centerpiece and door prize. Have your guests name as many of the fruits as they can. Add a twist to the game by awarding the basket to the guest with the fewest correct answers. Makeover the dessert table with fruit-based desserts like Quick & Easy No Guilt Berry Shortcake and Citrus Fruit Tarts. Everyone can stay cool and refreshed by sipping on Banana Blast Smoothies. Finally, have recipe cards available for the foods you serve to share with family and friends.
Let the Games Begin!
Fun outdoor activities are a great way to add exercise to the day. Plan your barbecue around a local 5K run/walk to benefit a charitable cause. Encourage family and friends to participate and do it as a team. Plan your own sports tournament with games like basketball, tennis, volleyball or baseball. If you don't have the space then move the activity portion to a local park, walking path or hiking trail. Scavenger hunts are also a fun way to get everyone moving through the neighborhood.
By incorporating these tips you can feel confident that your family and friends will have fun and leave inspired and energized by your better-for-you barbecue.
Food preparation guidance in the above article provided by Thomas W. Griffiths, Senior Executive Chef and Director of Campbell's Culinary Institute