Planning safe and fun activities for your family can be challenging for parents these days. You want your children to enjoy everything you did as a kid, like get-togethers filled with lots of delicious treats. But today we know that the treats we once enjoyed aren’t the best, healthiest options to give our loved ones. So what’s a parent to do?
It’s easy to plan the perfect modern and healthy BBQ, simply by finding healthier alternatives to the old stand-bys. Thankfully there’s tons of wonderful, healthy options available these days. Keep reading for some inspiration!
Go Plant Based For A Modern BBQ
Summer BBQs are synonymous with burgers sizzling away on the grill. Grilled tofu doesn’t have nearly the same appeal, but don’t worry: modern plant-based options are just as delicious as the classics, minus the saturated fat and environmental impacts.
For example, we just love the Southwest Beet patty from Wholly Veggie. It’s soy free, gluten free, non-GMO, dairy free and vegetarian. But of course, it’s easy enough for plant-based burgers to be healthy while totally lacking taste. So we’re happy to report that these burgers are even better than you’d expect, with a hint of heat balanced by the sweetness of beets. Yum.
Top these plant-based burgers with a Sprouted Whole Grain Bun from Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery, and organic, sugar-free ketchup from Good Food for Good, and you’ve got a tasty and modern burger everyone will love. And note that the internet abounds with recipes for yummy bean and lentil burgers, if you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of chef.
Seek Out Healthier Versions of the Classics
Your healthy swaps don’t have to stop at the grill. Today’s parents have so many wonderful options that simply weren’t available when we were children.
So you never would have had an old-fashioned BBQ without a cooler full of ice and soda. But if you’re trying to get your kids to drink less soda (aren’t we all?), we bet they’ll be just as happy with some naturally essenced sparkling water from LaCroix. They still get that refreshing crack and fizz when you open the can, without the sugars.
And there’s just something about burgers with a side of potato chips. We love, love, love Late July chips, which offer vegetable, grain free and multigrain versions of the classics, all using organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Better Dessert Options
BBQs are meant to be fun and indulgent, and for most people that means something sweet to tie it all together. If you’ve got some candy fiends on your hands (or if you are one yourself!), serve SmartSweets, which is candy with up to 92% less sugar. Pro-tip: take it out of the bag and serve it in bowls, and your kids won’t even know you’re giving them a healthy alternative!
Summertime BBQs are also all about staying cool, and there’s no better way to stay cool than with freezies and fruit pops! Our healthy alternatives to these cool treats are organic, non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free, with no added sugar. They’re a low calorie treat that all ages enjoy (and pssst ... let the freezies melt a little, add some liquor, and you’ve got a great adult beverage to enjoy!). If you’d like to see some tips on how to plan a COVID-safe BBQ, see here. Otherwise, here’s to a summer filled with good food, good company, and happy, healthy bellies.
