Food, program and supporting material provided by Nutrisystem. Always consult with your doctor before starting any weight loss program. This is a personal account of our experience and not intended as medical advice.
Many Americans will be observing the Memorial Day holiday with a cookout – and Nutrisystem wants you to enjoy your time with family and friends without feeling burdened by the idea of being on a restrictive “Diet”. So with that in mind, they’ve sent along some recipes and tips for making the most of your Spring and Summer grilling, without getting off-track with your goals:
Recipe Idea: Grilling Vegetables & Fruits
The grill — it’s not just for meat anymore! Firm vegetables like zucchini, corn, peppers, eggplant and onions can be placed right onto a hot grill. Baste them lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite herbs or seasonings, and grill for 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Summer squash, tomatoes, and carrots can be wrapped in foil with seasonings and a little water. Then, just leave the foil packets on the grill for six to eight minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Healthier Holiday Choices:
Side Dishes
Mixed Green Salad with Fat Free Dressing
Veggies (Celery, Carrots, Radishes, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes) with Low Fat Dip
Low Fat Cheese with Whole Wheat Crackers
Hummus & Whole Wheat Pita Bread Slices
Pasta salad (Whole Wheat) made with Fat Free or Low Fat Dressing
Potato or Macaroni salad made with Low Fat or Fat Free Mayo or Mustard
Baked Potato Chips & Tortilla Chips
Coleslaw (Made with Vinegar)
Shrimp cocktail with Fresh Lemon
Mixed Nuts (Unsalted)
Baked Beans
Corn on the Cob- Boiled or Grilled
Pretzels (Unsalted)Entrees
NutriSystem Flame Broiled Beef Patty or Chicken Breast
Grilled Veggies (Asparagus, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Onions, Zucchini)
Turkey or Soy Dog with a Whole Wheat Roll
Turkey or Veggie Burger with a Whole Wheat Roll
Grilled Fish (Salmon, Tuna), Shrimp, Scallops
Grilled Tofu,
Grilled Steak (Choose Lean Cuts)
Grilled Turkey or Chicken Sausage
BBQ chicken (Choose Lean Cuts)
Sandwiches (Whole Wheat Roll or Wrap with Lean Deli Meats & Cheese)
Boiled Clams or Lobster,
Grilled Kabobs (For Veggies, Meats, Seafood or Fruits)Extras
Lettuce, Tomato Slices, Onion Slices
Relish, Ketchup, Mustard, Salsa
Fat Free Mayo & Non Hydrogenated Oil Spread (Benecol)
Peppers, Pickles, Cucumbers
Whipped Topping (Fat-Free)
Grilling Blends (Sodium Free), Lemon wedgesDesserts
Fruit Salad (Grapes, Cantaloupe, Honeydew Melon, Cherries, Peaches, Mango)
Watermelon (Enjoy it for the Day. It is not a Low GI Carbohydrate!)
NutriSystem Dessert (Avoid Chocolate Items as they may melt!)
Fruit kabobs with Yogurt Dip (Low Fat or Fat Free)
Angel Food Cake, Gelatin Molds (Sugar Free)
Cookies or cupcakes (Low Fat or Sugar Free)
Frozen Yogurt, Popsicles (Sugar Free), SorbetBeverages
Bottled Water
100% Fruit Juice
Diet Sodas
Diet Iced Tea or Lemonade
Light Beer (In Moderation)
Light Sangria with Fresh Fruit (In Moderation)
Thanks to our Nutrisystem counselor for providing these great recipes & ideas!
How do you stay on track during holidays and special occasions?
Love the healthy alternatives!! Thanks for the suggestions.
I love grilled vegetables. Another tip is if you grill portabella musgrooms they taste soooo good almost better than a burger with few calories!
I’m trying to lose 15 pounds and it’s so hard! These are great alternatives for me for everyday eating. Especially the veggies! Thanks for sharing!
Those meals sound delicious! I also like the idea of grilling port. mushrooms.
My aunt was on this program and the results were amazing!
Light sangria!! Great idea and refreshing as well.
I know a ton of people that prefer the vegetables made on the grill over any other way! Plus it doesn’t heat up the house like cooking inside.
I love the fruit salad option. It’s refreshing and perfect for a barbecue.
Great tips. My favorite thing to grill during the holidays is fresh pineapple and fresh veggies from our garden. Love to season them all different kind of ways, they are very versatile.