Healthy Side Dishes for Your Next BBQ

Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue. And nothing says summer weight gain like heavy potato salads, chips and dip and sugar-rich desserts. In fact, that plate full of food can set you back up to 2,000 calories.

Whether you're hostessing and want to serve up healthy sides to your guests or are bringing a dish so you know there's something you can enjoy without all the extra fat and calories, here are delicious and nutritious tips for your next BBQ:

• Use whole wheat pasta in your pasta salad and go heavy on the vegetables, light on the dressing.
• Grill angel food cake and serve up with fresh strawberries and low-cal whipped topping.
• Roll your corn on the cob in mixed herbs or with a dash of lime sauce, rather than butter.
• Go ahead and serve those baked beans, just skip the meat and add some extra vegetables. Or better yet, try a bean salad instead.
• Skip the dip and serve up fresh, crunchy veggies with salsa or hummus.

It's BBQ season, so if you're looking for more tips on how to make your grilling habits healthier, check out our posts on creative cookouts, grilling fruits and vegetables and good for you BBQs.