During the summer months, we all like to go out and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends. However, whether at the beach or a backyard barbecue, this can lead to a lot of unhealthy food being consumed. So, before you load your plate with too much fat and sugar, check out these five tips to help keep you eating smart and healthy.

1. Bring along some fruit. Chances are that the food stand at the beach isn’t serving the healthiest fare. So instead of spending money on fried onion rings or a sno-cone, pack some fruit in your cooler. You’ll not only have a great snack, but you’ll be saving money and eating healthier at the same time.
2. Pick a healthy salad (not an unhealthy one). Just because you choose a salad from the menu doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Salads at many fast-casual and other restaurants can be very high in calories and unhealthy fats. Be sure to check the ingredients carefully and look for salads that contain healthy proteins and fats and are not too high in calories. Pulling up the restaurant’s website on your phone can help you determine how healthy your meal will be before you even sit down.
3. Up Your Veggies. It’s fine to have some steak or chicken on the grill; just don’t skip the veggies. Sautéing some tomatoes, peppers, squash, onions and other vegetables is a great way to keep your portion size down while still feeling full. Sautéing vegetables also helps add to the meal’s presentation and flavor.
4. Be careful at summer barbecues. Hot dogs, fried chicken, beer, lots of desserts…what could go wrong? Unfortunately, plenty for your diet! When you’re at a party, try adding some fruit and veggies to your plate and cutting back on everything else. Moderate portion sizes and going easy on the alcohol and desserts can help you stay on track. Remember, playing horseshoes or badminton won’t burn as many calories as you think!
5. Don’t forget the cooler. It’s easier to eat healthier when you have more control over what you eat. Packing a cooler when you take a trip means you can bring along lots of healthy food to enjoy. So skip the fast food lane on the weekend drive and just find a scenic place to pull over and enjoy a meal. This will help keep both your diet and food budget on track.