Nutrition tips: Controlling calories during grill season picnics
As grilling season fires up, UT Southwestern Medical Center nutritionists have cooked up a few tips to keep calorie counts in control.
“There are plenty of tricks and tips that offer alternatives to full-throttle calorie binging,” says Lona Sandon, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nutrition at UT Southwestern.
Among the best tips for controlling calorie count during grill season gatherings:
- Eat a low-calorie meal just before going or a salad prior to higher-calorie selections so you already feel full.
- Drink water instead of other drinks to help you feel full during the party. Add a little flavor with a squeeze of lime, lemon, or orange.
- Drink water instead of beer when eating salty foods. Remember moderation when it comes to alcohol: one drink for women, two drinks for men. One 12-ounce beer equals one drink.
- Instead of depriving yourself of favorite foods, eat smaller portions. You’re less likely to binge eat if you don’t feel deprived. Wait 15 to 20 minutes before going back for seconds or dessert. Ask yourself if you are still hungry.
- Think tapas. Take a small sampling of the items you would like to taste.
- Make your selections, then move away from the serving table rather than standing nearby and eating continuously without thinking.
- Ask for a smaller plate, allow yourself one serving. Don’t pile on more food than fits on the smaller plate. If going back for seconds, pick the veggies: grape tomatoes, celery sticks, red pepper sticks, baby carrots.
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