Memorial Day Feast

The unofficial kick-off to summer is Monday.  After the winter we've had, it's hard to believe that summer is right around the corner.  Memorial Day is a perfect time to gather with family and friends and be outside for the traditional American BBQ.  I would like to welcome Katie from Hefty as my guest writer today.  She has some great healthy ideas for your Memorial Day celebrations.  

If you’re heading off on a picnic or throwing your own Memorial Day bash; one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of food to go around.  Just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean you can’t still eat healthily!  In fact, fruits and vegetables are perfect to serve this time of year because everything will soon be in season.  If you’re not exactly sure how to mix up your Memorial Day meals, then simply read on for some ideas.

Appetizers

• Deviled Eggs—This is an easy one to change, because eggs are already good for you!  Just use low fat mayo and this treat will be a little healthier.
• Chips and Dip—This appetizer, on the other hand, is not the best in terms of its nutritional value, so it might just be best to switch it out altogether.  Try serving slices of good whole grain bread with artisan cheese or vegetables and hummus to keep your crowd happy, whether it’s just your family or your entire neighborhood.

Main Course

• Ribs—Ribs are often slathered in barbecue sauce, but ribs can taste good without all that sugar, too!  Use a dry rub that doesn’t include sugar in the recipe and those ribs will taste good all by themselves.
• Hot Dogs—Hot dogs are great, but if you want something a little different, then chicken sausages are generally quite good for you.
• Hamburgers—This is another item that you can swap out.  Try chicken breast, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, or even just choose extra lean beef to make burgers a little healthier.  You could even make a couple options and put them out in disposable pans so that guests can see what the different options are.  Pair this with a whole grain bun, and you’ll be good to go!
• Potato Salad—What would a Memorial Day barbecue be without potato salad?  A potato salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo will satisfy your craving for the traditional dish without expanding your waistline.  It’s still creamy but without all the fat.
• Cole Slaw—Oil and vinegar coleslaw is a quick and easy fix.  Hold the sugar!

Dessert

• Red, White, and Blue Strawberry and Blueberry Cakes—You could skip the cake altogether and serve bowls of strawberries and blueberries with whipped cream on top. 
• Ice Cream—Choose a recipe that uses frozen bananas as the main ingredient and you will have a low fat version of ice cream in no time.
  
  
  

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Katie F. on behalf of Hefty®. Visit www.hefty.com to find products like trash bags and large plastic bags that can help you out with your busy life.