By Melissa Hawthorne, MS, RD, LD
Memorial Day is a great time to celebrate and relax with friends and family. This holiday is when most Americans get that summer fever and usually indulge in their favorite summer foods. Here are 3 Memorial Day nutrition tips that will allow you to enjoy your day and wake up guilt free on Tuesday.
- Grill Smarter – Swap out your high fat burgers for turkey burgers, grilled chicken or portabella mushroom caps. If hotdogs are on your list, try a turkey hot dog instead.
- Eat on the Lighter Side – Instead of indulging in high caloric side salads such as potato salad, pasta salad or cole slaw, go for a lighter side. While the grill is hot, grill corn on the cob, artichokes, squash, bell peppers, etc. Try something sweet by grilling peaches!
- Caution with Caloric Beverages – Limit yourself with the number of alcoholic beverages you will consume. If you like beer, switch to light beer. If wine is your drink of choice try a wine spritzer mixed with sparkling water. Take caution with sugar beverages as well. Lemonade, sodas, punch and juices are packed with calories and may throw your blood sugars out off kilter. Always have water on hand and drink throughout the day especially if you’ll be outside soaking up the sun on this holiday.
