Bring your kitchen to the out-of-doors this summer. You will have the opportunity to lighten up most of your dishes and save hundreds of calories:
- Grill fresh veggies. Asparagus, squash, tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggplant and mushrooms. Whisk together oil, flavorful vinegar (balsamic, sherry, red wine, etc.) and fresh herbs. Brush over vegetables before and during grilling.
- Grill fresh fruit. Peaches, plums, pears, melon, pineapple and orange slices. Whisk together basting liquid of water, honey, melted no-trans-fat margarine or butter and nutmeg or cinnamon. Brush over fruit while grilling.
- Grill lean protein. Firm flesh fish, veggie hotdogs, turkey breast hotdogs, turkey breast burgers, veggie burgers, skinless chicken breast, turkey cutlets, lean pork chops, and flank steak.
- Lighten up potato and pasta salads. Load up with vegetables: onions, peppers, tomatoes, celery and carrots. Make the dressings with reduced-fat mayonnaise or light Miracle Whip, flavorful vinegars and nonfat buttermilk. Or skip the mayo completely and make a light oil and vinegar dressing. Add lots of fresh herbs.
