Summertime = BBQ? Help!

Everyone every where knows that with summer time comes picnics, BBQ'S, cook outs, lake parties..basically a LOT of gatherings around food. So how do you keep your cool around all that food (the stuff you can't have like sweets) without feeling like you're starving yourself!??? No, seriously..how?

Just when you think you have all those crazy craving under control, you get invited to your friend's lake party. Everyone is supposed to bring a dish of their choice, Larry brings the burgers and hot dogs, Ted brings the burger toppongs such as buns, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, etc., Bob brings the potato salad, and Sue brings the chips and dip. Not too bad right? Only thing you really shouldn't eat is the chips and dip and maybe the burger bun. But then Debbie shows up, late as always, and brings cake and ice cream and cookies..

If you're like me at all, you have to physically distance yourself from the sweets or else you'll convince yourself you can have just one bite and before you know it, you've eaten a whole cookie and now you're doubled over the trash can.

But fret not! I have some summer fun ideas that will curb your sweet tooth, make your wallet smile, AND keep you on track to the best you! Keep on keeping on!

1. Watermelon Gazpacho

This (mildly) spicy soup is delicious and always a mega-hit.

Fun Factoid: Watermelon is approximately 92% water.

Ingredients:

8 cups cubed seeded watermelon

1 apple, diced

1/2 cup finely chopped Vidalia onion

1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper

2 teaspoons fresh basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Instructions:

In a blender, puree watermelon with the apple and 1/4 cup each of the onion and green pepper; pour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients (including the other 1/4 cup of onion and green pepper).

Refrigerate, covered, for at least an hour to blend flavors.

Serves 4-6

2. Grilled Salmon Teriyaki

You can grill it or bake it. Either way, it's a delicious main dish that delivers Omega-3s in a big way.

Fun Factoid: A female salmon may lay up to 800 eggs for every pound she weighs.

Ingredients:

4 salmon steaks (about 6 oz. each), skinned

1 cup light soy sauce

1/3 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated

1/3 cup sesame oil

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Rinse salmon under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Divide each steak into two pieces by cutting along either side of the central bone and then discarding the bone.

Place the salmon in a shallow glass or ceramic container and pour 1 cup of the marinade over the fish. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning the fish occasionally. Let come to room temperature before cooking.

Prepare grill.

Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the fish on an oiled grill rack, approximately six inches from the heat source. Turn once and brush with reserved marinade. Cook 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the salmon's thickness.

Makes 8 3-oz. servings.

3. Hawaiian Hula Punch

Fruity and plentiful, this Hawaiian-flavored drink delivers a powerful vitamin punch.

Fun Factoid: Papaya is the only food containing papain, a powerful enzyme that digests proteins.

Ingredients:

2 medium bananas, cut into chunks

1 ripe mango, cut into chunks

1 ripe papaya, cut into chunks

4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice

4 cups seltzer

Instructions:

In a blender add bananas, mango, papaya, and pineapple juice. Puree until smooth, and pour into glasses.

Serves 8

4. Grilled Pears

Fruit that's better than cake--I promise!

Fun Factoid: In the 1800s, one pear could cost you the modern-day equivalent of $20.

Ingredients:

4 pears

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons butter

1/3 cup water

Instructions:

Peel pears and cut in half lengthwise; remove core. Set aside. In large skillet, over low to medium flame, combine the butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

Drizzle in the water as the butter melts. When the mixture covers the bottom of the pan, add the pears, cut side down.

Grill until pears are tender - about 10 minutes.

Note: When cooking pears, it's best to remove the skin--even though it's loaded with vitamins--because it tends to get tough during the cooking process.

Serves 4

That's just a few examples but get on google and find what works for you and your budget but also, what works for your tastebuds!! There's tons of ideas out there! Watermelon is my #1 go to when I have a sweet tooth and it curbs it every time! And it's mostly water so it's also assisting me in getting my water in!!

Much love y'all! Until next time,

Kay