Pursuing your weight loss goals during cookouts or barbecues can be tricky, as there are a lot of unhealthy options. From ice cream to frosted desserts, you can find it difficult to think of healthier options that aren’t boring if you’re in charge of bringing a dessert to the cookout. However, you’d be surprised at the wide range of healthy alternatives there are when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth during cookout season.
We spoke with experts Meaghan Greenwood, a nutritionist, dietician, and health advocate at Hourglass Waist, and Taylor Carberry, a licensed dietitian, nutritionist, and health and nutrition writer at nchc.org. Greenwood shared with us that the number one weight loss-friendly dessert you could bring to every cookout is fruit salad. For those looking for new ways to present various fruits other than a simple fruit salad, Carberry shared with us a fun and unique way to present fruits in the form of fruit skewers. Read on to learn more about how fruit salads can aid in weight loss even during cookouts and an easy fruit skewer recipe for those wanting to up their healthy dessert game.
Fruit Salad
Greenwood starts by sharing with us why fruit salads are beneficial for weight loss plans. "Fruit salad is considered weight loss-friendly because it is low in calories and fat while being high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It provides natural sweetness from the fruits and can be a refreshing and satisfying option for those looking to manage their weight," she says. You could indulge in cold fruits straight from the fridge since they will keep you feeling refreshed during cookouts in July and also help provide you with essential vitamins and minerals instead of unhealthy desserts that offer nothing but sugar and empty calories.
As for tips on how we can incorporate fruit salads into a balanced weight loss plan, Greenwood has a few helpful tips we can start with. She states, "Choose a variety of colorful fruits to maximize the nutritional benefits and opt for fresh, seasonal fruits whenever possible." She also emphasized the importance of staying away from added sweeteners like sugar, creams, or syrups.
Greenwood goes on to say, "Consider adding a squeeze of citrus juice or a sprinkle of herbs like mint or basil for extra flavor. Enjoy fruit salad as a standalone dessert or pair it with a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, to create a balanced meal." Noted!
A Fun Twist: Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are perfect for those who want to try something different than a simple fruit salad. You can still combine your favorite summertime fruits and present them in a different way that's both nutritious and fun to eat.
Carberry recommends that with fruit skewers, you could try grilling them a little if you prefer a smokey flavor. "They offer a delightful combination of natural sweetness from the fruit with a savory, smoky flavor from the grill," Carberry says. She suggests we stick to fruits such as pineapple, watermelon, or peaches since they hold their shapes well.
It's completely up to you whether you want to grill the fruits or not, but it all comes down to serving your body a healthier dessert that will offer nutrition and aid you in your weight loss plans for the summer months.
The Bottom Line
Both Greenwood and Carberry emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and lifestyle. "It’s essential to maintain an overall diet balance to reach your weight loss goals," Carberry notes. Various fruits offer us great fiber and minerals, but they are just one part of our diet.
Greenwood highlights the importance of portion control, even when it comes to fruits. "Fruits contain natural sugars, so it's advisable to moderate your portion size to manage your overall calorie intake. In addition, it's essential to remember that weight loss is best achieved through a well-rounded approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and overall lifestyle changes," Greenwood states.
