Don’t fear picnics, sporting events, family get togethers, camping trips, and birthday parties in the summer. I find that the warm weather and abundance and ease of grilling makes eating clean during the warmer months much easier.
Usually we are eating more fresh veggies and fruit, and a lot of it raw as well. There are a lot of healthy compliant meat options or it’s easy to adjust for your needs. Your favorite sides are also easy to make a healthier, cleaner swaps (think potato salad, dips, and guacamole).
In order to navigate get togethers, I always offer to make a side and check on the protein options. Usually you can have a plain burger if need be. Bringing hot dogs, sausages, or marinated chicken is also usually well received, as long as you’re willing to share.
Below is a round up of items that are our summer staples in my family. All the proteins are amazing on the grill. I marinate chicken and shrimp and most everything else just gets some salt and pepper.
For the sides I’ve included a couple links for my favorite recipes. Also with compliant mayonnaise (link here) you’ll be able to convert a lot of your own favorite recipes.
Finally, finding great clean condiments is getting a lot easier. Most yellow mustards and dill relishes are compliant (just check your labels) and you can find great compliant ketchup now too. I’ve got a list of my favorites and brands below. I also included my affiliate link for thrive market because that’s where I typically find my own at the lowest price.
Happy summer and happy grilling!
Proteins:
Steak
Burgers
Shrimp
Chicken
Sausages
Hotdogs
Chicken Wings
Pulled Pork
Pork Chops
Sides:
Coleslaw Dressing Recipe from Miss Provision
Potato Salad
Fruit Salad
Veggie Platter
Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash
Watermelon Cucumber Salad from Mary Smith
Classic Deviled Eggs from Lisa Bryan
Condiments:
Yellow Mustard-Regular is usually compliant
Ketchup-Primal Kitchen or Tessemae’s
Dill Relish-Check labels, Dill is usually ok, sweet has sugars
Mayonnaise-Recipe here
Hot Sauce-Franks, Cholula and Tapatío are all compliant
Ranch-Tessemae’s, Primal Kitchen, Sir Kensington’s or make your own
BBQ Sauce-The New Primal, Tessemae’s or Primal Kitchen
If you don’t want to make your own sauces, I like to buy my compliant ones through Thrive Market. I find they have the best deals and I have been a member for a long time. I have an affiliate link with them to offer you a month’s free membership and 25% off your first order here: ThriveMarket.com/HeatherAcken