This is how you survive a barbecue!

Eating from the barbecue is not as unhealthy as many people think. After all, dishes from the grid require little or no extra fat during preparation compared to meat from the frying pan. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can eat it indefinitely. And that’s what we often do: overeat ourselves. That’s because you usually go to a barbecue around drink or dinner time. You are already hungry and inadvertently indulge in bread and snacks before the barbecue is hot. Therefore, if you can, eat a bowl of soup or a little yogurt with muesli at home. This way the first hunger is satisfied and you prevent that you sit down and work inside all kinds of things.

bring your own

Another tip: bring a tasty (fruit) salad or a colorful dish with crudité (this one for example), then you know for sure that there is something rich in vitamins on the table. Especially a good idea if you are not sure whether the host or hostess has something healthy on the table and more original than a bunch of flowers. By the way: you can also bring a nice piece of lean meat or fish if you expect a barbecue full of sausage and bacon. If you say you’re trying to watch the line, no one will be offended. Just make sure you bring a little extra with you so that others can enjoy it too. Marinate meat or fish at home and take it with you in a cool bag.

Practice patience

All nice thought of course, but that only works with announced barbecues. How do you handle it when the fire is spontaneously stoked after a pleasant afternoon? Start by keeping your hands out of the bread basket, or at least limiting the bread to one or two pieces. Moreover, do not take it until the first meat comes off the barbecue; when it really is dinner time. Will you lose your appetite before then? Satisfy the worst hunger with carrots, cucumber, a few olives or salad if they are on the table. Otherwise, have an extra large glass of water and remember that practicing patience doesn’t hurt anyone…

At the table!

A little fat is necessary for some meats; they really do taste better. Fat edges are part of a steak, for example, although you can cut them off once the meat is cooked on your plate. It is easier – and more sensible – to choose lean meat instead of sausages and bacon. For example, pork tenderloin, chicken breast, turkey breast and steak are prepared quickly and easily. If you can, opt for meat that has not been marinated; a dry rub adds flavor to meat in a low-calorie way. Fish is also great on the barbecue. A lot of fish is lean and therefore contains few kilocalories. Preferably take tuna, trout, plaice, sole or monkfish. But also remember: it is best to enjoy life a little. So rather opt for something that is really tasty in a normal amount, than something that is less tasty because of the number of kilocalories (we don’t officially count those at Slim Slim & Healthy).

As for the sauces, red tomato-based sauces are better than white mayonnaise-based sauces. Sauces based on (Greek) yogurt are also fine, such as tzatziki and mint-lime sauce. Satay sauce falls in the middle bracket, with approximately 55 kilocalories per 20 milliliters.

Bit à la Bugs

Grilled vegetables taste great and are low in calories and high in fiber. If there are aluminum grid trays with pieces of zucchini, bell pepper or onion on the barbecue, then make the most of it. You eat more varied than with an average barbecue and you eat well too. Also try a baked potato or a portobello or vegetable burger if they are available. Peach, apple or banana from the barbecue tastes great for dessert.

Stop on time

It sounds easy, but the amount of food on such an evening is the crux for most people. There is a constant supply of food and drink and a barbecue invariably takes longer than an average evening meal. In any case, don’t sit too close to the barbecue – or in the run-up to it, that saves a lot of temptation. Opt for small portions of meat and skewers with vegetables in addition to meat. Avoid mayonnaise-based pasta and potato salads if possible and opt for a fresh salad with lettuce and olive oil-based dressing or a fresh fruit salad. Scoop up so much that you can’t put much meat on your plate anyway. Which can also help: a victim to which you can dispose of your leftovers. You then cut off a small piece from several favorite pieces of meat and give the rest away. Stop eating on time, even if others are still eating. You will soon feel nauseous and full.

Do fish have to swim?

Of course a glass of wine is delicious with your grilled fish or meat. But try to limit drinking alcohol and soda or fruit juices. Not only do it contain a lot of calories, so it adds up nicely, but many people also feel like eating fatty foods because of alcohol. In any case, drink a glass of water with every glass of alcohol (possibly with some fruit or, for example, cucumber in it).