Labor Day Picnic Smart Picks

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and that means picnics and outdoor grilling. Don’t let too many high-calorie favorites keep you from staying trim this summer. Here’s what you should keep in mind at your next picnic:

Instead of: A foot-long hot dog
Choose: A regular-sized wiener
The Payoff: 350 calories saved!

Instead of: Over-sized burgers
Choose: Perfectly portioned turkey burgers (made with breast meat)
The Payoff: Less fat and more protein

Instead of: Mayo-drenched salads
Choose: Slaws and salads made with vinaigrette dressings
The Payoff: Guilt-free sides free of saturated fat and cholesterol

Instead of: Regular soda
Choose: Diet soda, unsweetened iced tea, or water
The Payoff: You’ll cut out 10 teaspoons of sugar per beverage

Instead of: Decadent desserts
Choose: Fruit salad or strawberry shortcake with a thin slice of angel food cake and lots of fresh strawberries
The Payoff: Less guilt. Fruit is high in fiber and water and strawberries offer that sweetness without all the fat and calories.

Watch the servings of alcohol and other high calorie beverages – those calories count too. Check out all the offerings, decide what you really want and only have one serving. That inevitable hangover isn’t worth the hours of exercise it will take to work off those extra calories!