Memorial Day Clean Eating Tips and Recipes
Memorial Day is not only a holiday to remember those brave men and women who fought for our country but it also marks the beginning of summer. This weekend many of you will either host a barbecue or get invited to one.
These gatherings are traditionally full of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, dips and other tempting foods that do not fit in with your clean eating plan. The key to staying on track so you look good in those skimpy summer clothes is to be prepared.
Enjoy some alcohol with a Sinless Margarita!
First, if alcohol is a part of the plan make sure you bring your own clean cocktail. Light beer is always a great option and with the newer 64 calorie options you can enjoy a few cold ones without ruining your diet. Below is a recipe for a Sinless Wine Margaritas which you can make with beer or wine as a refreshing and light summer drink.
Eat protein and avoid the bread
Next you will want to make sure there is some type of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, fish or lean beef. Make sure to skip the roll and enjoy your lean protein either in lettuce as a wrap or by itself. Try to avoid the “mixed” dishes with lots of ingredients like casseroles and dips and load up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bring a healthy appetizer to share
The hardest thing about most of these parties is the appetizers that are usually loaded with fat and calories. Be sure to bring a clean appetizer to share. Below is a great recipe for Gail’s Eggplant Dip that is not only clean and easy but is sure to be a hit with any crowd.
Make dessert healthy and delicious
Last we deal with the most tempting part of for me and that’s dessert. There’s always something that catches your eye and teases your willpower. If this is your cheat meal for the week then maybe this is where you choose to splurge assuming you didn’t totally binge on the other goodies. If its your party or you are bringing a dessert then make a large fruit salad out of mostly seasonal fruits like berries, peaches and watermelon. For a healthy alternative to whip cream try the Coconut Whip Cream recipe below.
So this Memorial season and the summer that follows be sure to plan your meals and snacks even when you are attending social events such as barbecues. Remember that nothing tastes as good as thin feels!
Sinless Wine Margaritas
9 oz Sinless Margarita Mix (find this locally in Georgia)*
5 oz white wine 
ice
salt
1. Rim margarita glasses with salt if desired.
2. In blender mix margarita mix, white wine and ice cubes until thick. Pour into salt rimmed glass and enjoy!
*this margarita mix is all natural and made with stevia
Servings: 3
Calories: 45
Gail’s Eggplant Dip
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
1 eggplant, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 red onion, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
5 cloves of garlic, minced
>1 T tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper – optional for a spicy kick
1. Lightly coat a rimmed cookie sheet with coconut or olive oil spray. Spread vegetables out on the baking sheet along with minced garlic and lightly spray with coconut or olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Roast for 45 minutes, until vegetables are slightly browned and soft, tossing once during cooking. Remove from oven and allow to cool a few minutes.
3. Place vegetables, spices and tomato paste into a food processor and pulse 3-4 times to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste.
The entire batch is only 263 calories! Use this as a dip to a serve with vegetables or crackers or try it over your chicken or fish as a topping. Delicious and nutritious, this recipe won’t raise your blood sugar!
1 can full fat coconut milk
1. Take a can of full fat coconut milk and refrigerate overnight.
2. Open can and remove all the cream from the top leaving only the watery liquid behind in the can.
3. Put coconut milk cream into a mixing bowl and add stevia and vanilla extract.
4. Whip it until it becomes thick. Enjoy it on top of a fruit salad or other dessert as a healthy alternative to regular whip cream.
This recipe is not low calorie however it is a healthy alternative to Cool Whip or other whip toppings you find at the store. Consider that it is about 50 calories per Tablespoon and count it as a healthy fat as you would coconut oil.
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