If there is one sentiment that the majority of American’s share – it’s the fact that barbecue is good. Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, coleslaw, and vegetables and dip are staples of the barbecue meal. Which traditional foods are nutritionally the best or worst though? Community Blog Online wants to help backyard chefs figure out which foods to keep in their repertoire, and which ones to throw away like used corn husks.
Hamburgers are the quintessential barbecue meal. Thick and juicy patties with melted cheese on a toasted bun are something that appeals to young and old, alike. One cheeseburger, however, can contain over 600 hundred calories and – if a person is lucky – it will only contain 350 calories. Why not ditch the burger and instead, cook a pork loin on the grill? It’s a great piece of meat that lends itself to spicy rubs, and guests will enjoy the break from the standard fare.
Potato salad is something that is consistently popular at gatherings, but in reality, it should be only slightly more welcome than insects. A mere half cup of potato salad will contain close to 200 hundred calories, and because it’s usually made with mayonnaise, there are food safety concerns during warm weather as well. So, why not make a German style potato salad with mustard vinaigrette? That will cut an incredible 100 calories from each serving.
Corn on the cob seems so innocent and wholesome that it’s hard to believe that one buttered ear can contain up to 200 calories as well. One way to cut back the calories on corn is to switch out the butter for lime juice and sprinkle it with chili powder.
Veggies and ranch dip is another thing that seems so nutritious that it’s hard to believe how fattening it can be. Sure, a person actually burns calories by eating raw celery, but sticking it in a fatty dipping sauce negates any good side-benefits. However, guacamole is a popular dip and although it has a high fat content, it’s the good kind of fat, especially if it’s eaten with vegetables instead of chips.
What would a barbecue be without beer? Well, it could be a whole lot lighter if people drink Sangria instead. (Especially with extra soda water.) A glass of Sangria contains around 80 calories, and even though alcohol is loaded with empty calories – at least people will have the benefit of the antioxidants in the fruit.
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