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Calorie Culprit: Summer BBQ’s

Lisa Eirene

About Lisa Eirene Lisa lost 110 pounds through calorie counting and exercise. She swims, bikes, runs, hikes and is enjoying life in Portland, Oregon. Her weight loss story has been featured in First Magazine, Yahoo Health, Woman's Day and Glamour.com.

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14 Comments

  1. Beth

    Most of the potlucks I go to have an actual salad made with spinach or lettuce, so I try to load up pretty heavily on that and other healthy foods and then take small portions of the less healthy stuff. As long as I know that I’ve focused on getting in my veggies I don’t feel so guilty (as long as they’re not deep fried).

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I usually bring a green salad to potlucks when I go. And yes, loading up on salads and veggies is a good way to avoid eating the other unhealthy stuff!

  2. Biz

    I have been drinking wine coolers all summer – 3/4 grapefruit selzer water mixed with 1/4 chardonnay tastes just like a Bartles & James wine cooler to me! And I am not a huge fan of potato salad either – I can’t stand mayo, but pass the baked beans! 😀

    1. Lisa Eirene

      That sounds delicious! I love mixing things with sparkling water or seltzer. Less calories and it tastes great.

  3. Roz@weightingfor50

    Excellent post Lisa. There are so many good, healthy options – sometimes it just takes a bit of effort and planning.
    Have a great week.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      It doesn’t have to be a bad thing, you are right–just pick the right options. There is usually SOMETHING healthy to choose.

  4. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero

    My biggest problem is not thinking it out and just grabbing. I need to plan out my healthy attack strategy first.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Or arriving to BBQ’s hungry! That’s a bad thing to do, too. When I do that, I end up eating things I shouldn’t.

  5. K @Finding a skinnier me

    Great information! I tend to graze as well so I post myself away from the food tables. If I fill up on the healthy stuff first, I won’t be so tempted to gorge myself on BBQ sauce covered meat later is what I learned. Also when BBQ’ing at home for friends I love BBQ’ed zucchini, healthy kabobs and I usually make a big salad.

    But I love your tips and am going to use some next time I go to a BBQ.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I’m definitely a grazer. Good idea on sitting far away from the buffet table. That’s a good tip. If you stand right next to it and talk to people, it’s easy to mindlessly eat.

  6. Stacie @ Snaps and Bits

    I don’t actually have trouble with the meal. My issue is all of the snacky stuff beforehand. Sometimes I just don’t eat it since I can’t seem to stop if I start!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Me too — it’s the snacky stuff that I get weak around (chips and dip, veggies and dip, etc).

  7. Jess

    I’m a grazer, too. If there are chip and dip near me I will just nibble away!

    I am very lucky to live in NZ, where sea food is a feature at BBQ’s. Prawns are fairly low in calories, as long as they are just grilled. Chicken kebabs are also another go to, as long as they aren’t drenched in sauce.I also make my own potato salad, using low fat plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream. I like to take vegge kebabs to pot lucks, nice and healthy, and always the first thing to go.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Chips and dip are evil!

      Seafood is a great option. It’s low in calories and very healthy. Thanks for the great reminder!

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