Labor Day Recipes
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Cut your favorite veggies into half inch cubes. Examples include bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash. Skewer together. In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Coat the veggies and grill for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with more oil as needed.
Grilled Salmon Burgers
Pulse a salmon, egg, panko, horseradish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a food processor until a chunky paste forms. Create four patties, then brush with oil and grill 3 minutes per side. Serve with tahini or yogurt sauce.
Grilled Eggplant
Cut an eggplant into ½ inch slices. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a minced garlic clove, dried basil, dried oregano, and onion powder in a separate bowl. Brush or spoon onto the eggplant. Grill slices for 7-8 minutes on each side. Top with grated parmesan cheese after flipping to let the cheese melt.
Ground Bison Burger
Combine ground bison, cooked spinach, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into burger patties and brush with oil before cooking 4-6 minutes per side. Delicious and less fatty than ground beef.
Grilled Peaches
In a grill safe dish, place two halved peaches cut side down. Add ½ cup of white wine and a tablespoon of stevia or raw sugar, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Place the entire dish on the grill and allow to cook 15 minutes until they are soft. Serve with fat free whipped cream.
Top Tips
The One Plate Rule
The one plate rule is to make one plate of food to eat and then wait at least 30 minutes before deciding whether or not you want to go back for a second plate of food. After digesting your food, you might want less food or no more food at all.
Drink Up
Water, seltzer, or diet sodas, if you must, are essential for hot outdoor parties. Alcohol is fine in moderation, but swap with water in between. If you do choose to go back for another plate of food, drinking a full glass or bottle of water in between will help keep you full and prevent dehydration.
Watch Your Dips
Dips, toppings, and condiments all contain calories that it’s easy to forget are there. Reduce your sauces and you’ll reduce your overall calorie intake, which means you can enjoy more protein!
Consider Fasting
If you want to stuff yourself full of delicious party food, consider fasting before and after the party. That way you can eat unrestricted at the party without feeling guilty about the calories consumed.
Kelsey Xander
