5 Foods to Bring to a Summer Party
July 11, 2016 
Being a Registered Dietitian, this time of year I hear so many people say the parties of the summer are throwing off their healthy habits! This doesn’t have to be the case, try one of these options to bring to your next gathering:
1. Watermelon
A great, refreshing part of any barbeque! Although fruit get’s a bad wrap for it’s sugar content, it’s packed with fiber, water and vitamins and minerals sure to fill you up for a low amount of calories. About 2 cups of watermelon has only 80 calories! It’s also packed with potassium, lycopene, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6.
2. Chicken Kabobs
Any barbeque should have a source of protein and kabobs of any type are a great finger food to grill. Try marinating your chicken in teriyaki, lemon juice or balsamic to add more flavor!
3. Grilled Veggies
Try grilling purple onions, green and red peppers, mushrooms, asparagus or zucchini that are all in season right now. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with salt and pepper. The grilled taste and multi colors will attract any guest!
4. Greek Yogurt Potato Salad
Chilled salads are a crucial part of any barbeque this summer! Red potatoes are easy to find locally grown during the summer months are a great thing to serve cold. No need to use mayonnaise, try swapping with plain greek yogurt and adding green onion, dill, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper to your taste!
5. Bean Salad
Baked beans are a great side to any cookout, but can have quite a bit of sugar added. Try using 1 can of baked beans and mixing with black beans, great northern beans or kidney beans! Beans pack fiber and some protein, so they are a great thing to fill up on at a cook out.
