Summer is here, and that means BBQ season is officially on! ☀️🍔 But while backyard cookouts can be fun and flavorful, they can also sneak in ingredients and cooking methods that leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, or inflamed—especially when hormone balance / weight loss is your goal.
So how do you enjoy your BBQ without the burnout? Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to help you feel amazing after the party ends.
✅ The Do’s
Hit a quick workout earlier in the day
Getting your body moving before the BBQ can boost energy, stabilize blood sugar, and keep cravings in check.
Prioritize quality proteins
Choose lean, clean options like grass-fed steak, pasture-raised chicken, wild-caught fish, or even nitrate-free hot dogs (yes, they exist!).
Fill half your plate with plants
Colorful veggies and fresh sides are your gut’s best friends. Think grilled peppers, cucumber salad, or cauliflower rice.
Bring a better-for-you dessert
Detox-friendly treats are always a hit—especially when no one realizes they’re “healthy.” Bonus points for fiber and antioxidants.
Hydrate smartly
Keep a bottle of water or sparkling mineral water in hand—it helps you stay cool, hydrated, and snack-smart. Want something with a little alcohol – check out this post.
❌ The Dont’s
Don’t show up starving
Skipping meals earlier in the day usually backfires. Eat balanced meals beforehand to avoid overdoing it later.
Don’t default to chips
It’s easy to munch mindlessly on salty, oily snacks. Instead, go for crunchy veggies, fermented pickles, or guac. Really need the chips, opt for something like these ones.
Don’t drown your veggies in dip
Try hummus, Greek yogurt-based dips, or a drizzle of olive oil and herbs instead of heavy, processed dressings. Don’t be afraid of fat here.
Don’t pile on the buns
Skip the refined bread (protein style lettuce wrap for the win) and enjoy your protein with fiber-rich sides like baked beans, or roasted potatoes.
Don’t load up on liquid calories
Sugary drinks can quickly derail your goals. Choose clean cocktails or mocktails—or check out our favorite low-sugar drink swaps in the guide!
Want the Full Guide?
This is just the beginning. Our FREE Strength & Grace Healthy Backyard BBQ Guide is packed with clean marinade recipes, gut-supportive side ideas, and smart grilling tips to reduce toxins and beat the bloat.
📥 Ready to host a cookout that actually leaves you feeling amazing? Get the free guide.
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