With the celebration of Independence Day, summer is in full swing! This time of year is full of campfires, picnics and cookouts. Here are some simple ways to keep the summer fun while staying healthful. 1.
Practice food safety Warmer weather brings a higher risk of food-borne illness. It is important to use safe food-handling practices to help minimize this. When packaging food to take with you, be sure to keep cold foods in a cooler with ice and limit how often you open and close it.
Keep food that still needs to be cooked away from items that are ready to eat to prevent cross-contamination. Throughout the cooking process, wash your hands before switching between tasks. Avoid using the same cooking utensils or plate for multiple items, especially if they are at different levels of doneness.
Once ready, hot foods should be kept above 140 °F, and cold foods should be kept below 40 °F. Food that is kept in the “temperature danger zone” of 40-140 °F should be thrown away after two hours, or after one hour if you are eating in temperatures above 90 °F. 2.
Focus on balance A great goal for meals is to include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. There are many delicious swaps you can make at a cookout to add balance. Grill lean meats like chicken or go plant-based with veggie burgers or mushrooms.
For starchy sides, such as pasta salad, use whole grain versions to boost the fiber for added satiety. Creamy dressings and sauces quickly add up in calories and.