Guiltless Summer BBQ

By Jenna.

I know you’re reading that title and thinking two things: 1. Cool, I’ll pin this, I’m trying to eat healthier! or 2. UGH I’M SICK OF TALKING ABOUT BEING HEALTHIER I WANT A DOUGHNUT.  Honestly at any given day I’m somewhere between those two options several times. But before you give up on me, trust me on these few little changes in your regular summer BBQ, they are not only delicious, but they will help health-ify America’s favorite Summer past time.
First up. Sweet Potato Buns are one of my FAVORITE carb-swap-out staples. I learned this trick from a healthy Instagram account, @amazon_ashley. It sounds strange, but trust me it works every time and you won’t even miss the bun! It adds a sweetness to the burger that I love as well.

Directions: First off cut your sweet potato, skin on, in 1/4 inch slices. Generously cover each side with coconut oil. Place evenly on a tin-foil lined cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until soft. The outside will get a little bit crunch which helps hold the burger together!

My favorite no-guilt condiments are these McClure’s sugarless (and better than ANY) pickles, cherry tomatoes and avocado of course. I also slather mine with a yellow mustard and avoid ketchup since most have lots of sugar.Whether or not you are in to grass fed beef, I recommend buying this pack from Costco at least once this Summer! You might actually find that the meat is SO delicious and never go back. Since these sweet potatoes are smaller than a bun you’re going to want to make your patties smaller too. Then they become mini sliders and we all know everything tastes better when it’s tiny. Cook your beef and you’ve got one amazing burger that will have you celebrating our country’s freedom and the shrinking of your waistline. (Grass-fed beef is typically lower in fat and higher in Omega 3s)
Let freedom ring.

Next up on our family favorite BBQ menu is the traditional Hot Dog, except we take it next level AND it’s for sure guiltless.

For the dog we use Applegate Beef Dogs which you can find at Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. No more silently wondering as you’re eating your dinner “What exactly IS a hot dog?” This dog has no nitrates, chemicals and is FOR SURE made of beef. I don’t know about you but that just makes me feel better about life, especially when it’s such a Summertime staple for the boys.

For the “bun” we simply use a romaine heart, I never miss the bun anymore and that’s what happens when you eat REALLY good meat. For the condiments we use traditional mustard and then we make a relish out of Trader Joe’s Broccoli Slaw. Over a stove top I warm it up until it’s tender with 1 T rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt, and it’s real delicious.

Lastly this delicacy: the watermelon on a stick. Before your mind gets blown on how in the world we concoct such a complicated food, it is in fact as stupid easy as it looks. I don’t know why the crowds go wild for something on a stick but trust me your kiddos will eat ten more of these then if they were OFF the stick. Ya it makes no sense to me either, but just go with it.Taking a knife carefully cut a small slit in to the rind of the watermelon, and stick a craft stick in to it. Did you get that? Okay phew!

Hope you enjoyed just a few of our summer guiltless BBQ favorites! Our family certainly indulges in all that summer has to offer, but I love the idea of making these summer favorites just a touch healthier while still YUMMY!