Coach Brianna's BBQ Season Tips & Tricks

Nutrition
Brianna Engebretsen
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BBQ season isn’t your enemy—it can actually help your goals! From grilled lean proteins to fresh fruit and veggie sides, you can fully enjoy summer cookouts without feeling off track. It’s all about small, intentional choices that add up, letting you savor the moment and your progress. One meal won’t derail you, and you deserve to enjoy the memories you’re making this summer. ❤️

Happy Summer, Healthi Fam! There’s something magical about the smell of the grill, the warmth of the sun, and gathering with friends or family for a good old-fashioned summer BBQ. I have always said that one of my all-time favorite meals is any meat on the grill (burger, chicken, the classic hot dog—it truly doesn’t matter) with baked beans, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and watermelon. This meal just screams “childhood memories” to me, so yes, I LOVE grilling season.

If you’re on a health or weight loss journey, this season can also bring a bit of anxiety: How do I enjoy myself without going completely off the rails?

Good news—you absolutely can have both: the fun and the progress.

How to fully enjoy BBQ season while sticking to your goals:

1. Upgrade Your Proteins

Grilled meats can be incredibly BITE- and macro-friendly—you just need to be intentional:

2. Load Up on Grilled Veggies

Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, and onions all taste amazing with a little char—and they’re zero-BITE flavor bombs.

3. Re-Think the Sides

Traditional BBQ sides like potato salad, chips, and baked beans can rack up the BITES quickly. Try these lighter options:

4. Bun Strategy

Buns can easily double the BITES of your meal. Consider:

5. Smart Desserts

Summer treats don’t have to sabotage your goals:

6. Be Mindful with Beverages

Sweet tea, lemonade, and cocktails can sneak in extra calories. Instead:

7. Mindset Over Restriction

Above all, don’t go in thinking you have to be “perfect.”

A mindset to bring to the BBQ:

Final Thoughts

BBQ season isn’t the enemy of your weight loss goals—it can actually support them with grilled proteins, fresh produce, and built-in movement like yard games and walking. The key is showing up with a plan, tracking what you can, and choosing progress over perfection.

Let summer be a season of good times, good food, joy and momentum.

Updated on:

July 10, 2025