Who doesn’t love a good summer cookout? It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the options of potato salads, pasta salads, macaroni salads, chips, dips, cookies and other desserts. What makes it the hardest is the fact that all of these options are sitting out, tempting you (or more likely me!) for the duration of the party.

While all of these options are fine in moderation, if you’re anything like me, the idea that they will be eaten in moderation is rather far-fetched. So what can we do to stay on track despite all of these obstacles?

1. Bring a healthy dish to pass.
We don’t always know what will be available at a party or cookout, so this is a way to focus on what you can control. The more veggies, the better!

2. Organize your plate.
Start by loading up with veggies and protein leaving less room on your plate for those not so healthy choices.

3. Drink lots of water.
This helps you feel fuller longer and you’ll be less likely to mindlessly snack throughout the day.

What to eat during summer cookouts doesn’t have to be another stressor. It should be a time of relaxation and fun. Hopefully these tips help you to enjoy all your summer parties without the stress around food!