Memorial Day weekend is upon us, which means one thing… Grilling season is here! It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year.
We love to grill, however there are a number of factors to keep in mind at your next barbecue to make sure you’re staying on track with your diabetes management.
Here are our top five tips:
- Watch out for barbecue sauces, marinades and most sauces for that matter. They can be loaded with carbs and a sneaky way to increase your blood sugar, plus it’s really easy to use more than the suggested serving size. Try different seasonings instead!
- Portion control is always important. There’s so much food at barbecues that this can be very easy to forget. Stick to the Healthy Plate Method! Fill your plate with 1/2 veggies, 1/4 starches and 1/4 protein.
- Watch what you’re grilling (or eating). Avoid meat with breading or skin on it. Try kebabs, which mix veggies and protein together. Grilled fish and chicken are always delicious, too.
- If you’re going to a friend or family member’s barbecue, bring a side you can eat. Or eat before the event, so you can be selective and pick the best options for you and your numbers at the party.
- Don’t forget to hydrate. It’s can be really difficult to drink enough water when it is hot out. You may not want to bother the host of the party for drink refills. Bring a reusable water bottle so you are prepared!
Do you have any barbecue strategies or tips? A favorite recipe, perhaps? Share them with us!