Whether honoring our veteran’s by attending a parade, making a donation or writing a letter of thanks, Memorial Day weekend also involves cookouts and time together. Below is a healthier spin on a holiday classic that I believe even our soldiers would enjoy (no tofu dogs here.)
The usual suspects:
* hot dogs
* white buns
* chips or mayonnaise based potato salad
* baked beans seasoned with BBQ sauce and/or brown sugar
* cookies and brownies
* beer and pop
Let’s be clear, I am an eater and enjoy holiday eating. In addition, as the household manager, I thoroughly appreciate attending events were someone else is so kind as to cook. My suggestions below are simply a more nutrient rich, possibly lower calorie version of the usual suspects. I’m not suggesting you turn your back on the classics – just consider trying something new. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Alternatives:
* all beef high quality franks (more expensive but generally better for you)
* offer nutrient rich cut up cucumbers, tomatoes and onions for toppings
* whole wheat buns (slightly more fiber and no one can tell the difference)
* sweet potato fries (bake in the oven, lower fat alternative, nutrient rich)
* vegetarian baked beans seasoned with ketchup and relish
* watermelon (great source of vitamin C, lycopene and beta carotene)
* offer flavored seltzer, 100% fruit juice and lite beers with the standardsSafe travels to you and yours! And our deepest gratitude to those that have given their lives for this great country of ours. May we all enjoy our freedoms, loved ones and those we’ve lost on this important weekend.
