12 Nutrisystem Foods That Are Better Than the BBQ
Article posted in: NutrisystemThere’s nothing quite like a summer BBQ. Dining outdoors with friends and family is an experience that creates lasting memories—and you certainly don’t want to miss out. Even so, the food served at your typical summer BBQ is generally far from healthy. So what delicious swaps can you make that are better than the BBQ?
Fortunately, Nutrisystem has a simple solution. Our entrees are better and such an easy choice to either take on-the-go and heat up at your next BBQ, or to dine on before you leave so that you won’t be tempted to overeat.
All 12 of these Nutrisystem foods are better than the BBQ choices, but won’t leave you feeling like you missed out on some deliciously satisfying flavor.
1. Classic Hamburger
Hamburgers are the quintessential BBQ food. However, with all of the toppings, add-ons and large portion sizes, your average burger is usually packed with fat and calories. That’s not the case for our Nutrisystem Hamburger—an all-beef patty in a soft, whole wheat bun that’s better than the BBQ hamburger. It’s high in protein while also being full of flavor, as evidenced by its great reviews. Bring your hamburger along to heat up at your next BBQ—or eat it beforehand so that you show up full and satisfied.
2. Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Looking for that hot-off-the-grill flavor in a weight loss-friendly choice? Our white meat Grilled Chicken Sandwich delivered on a hearty whole grain bun is great to bring along to your next BBQ. You can also eat it before you go so that you aren’t tempted by hot dogs and full-fat burgers. At only 220 calories and with 13 grams of protein, this sandwich is a smarter choice that won’t leave you feeling like you missed out on something better.
3. Steak and Cheese Melt
Much like a Stromboli, this handheld melt features grilled steak with savory sautéed onions and peppers, plus lots of cheese. It’s all stuffed inside a seasoned whole grain pocket. It may only be 230 calories, but it will help you feel full and satisfied with six grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein. Have one before your next cookout and you won’t be tempted to snack on anything else.
4. Italian-Style Sausage and Peppers
This classic Italian favorite is hearty and filling, but not usually one that would be considered a smart diet choice. However, our version is only 210 calories and packs in 21 grams of protein. The secret is the use of chicken sausage, which is still full of plenty of flavor but without all the excess fat and calories.
5. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the comfort food choice for many. We’ve made this classic picnic side dish a diet-friendly dinner that fits into your weight loss plan. Our version, which has only 210 calories and five grams of fat, is a smarter option than the side at the BBQ. It’s also a good source of protein and will help you feel full before hitting your next big cookout.
6. BBQ Chicken Melt
Packed with seasoned chicken and tangy BBQ sauce, this flavorful melt is all wrapped up in a hand-held whole grain roll that you can take on-the-go to your next cookout or simply eat at home. With 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and only 220 calories, it’s a choice that’s better than the BBQ.
7. Beef ‘N’ Beans
This hearty, homestyle meal combines natural-cut beef and seasoned beans for a satisfying BBQ replacement. It’s better than the typical baked beans and barbecue beef options that are packed with sugar. Slow-simmered in a blend of vine-ripened tomatoes, onions and peppers, it’s a high-protein dinner that will fill you up.
8. Honey Garlic Butter Sauced Chicken
If chicken is more your meat of choice, then you’ll want to try this easy dinner, which combines savory chicken with broccoli florets and fluffy brown rice—all covered in a garlicky, honey butter sauce. It will make you forget all about the chicken covered in sugary honey barbecue sauce! With 17 grams of protein, three grams of fiber and only 260 calories, it’s a diet-friendly choice that you can feel good about.
9. Red Beans And Rice With Quinoa
Here’s another way to enjoy savory sausage on your weight loss plan! This one is sure to spice up your picnic and is the perfect swap for baked beans and pork sausage. With andouille chicken sausage, red kidney beans and a blend of brown rice and quinoa, it will only set you back 180 calories. It’s sure to fill you up before hitting—or hosting—your next BBQ.
10. Classic Tuna Salad
There’s nothing quite like a chilled tuna or chicken salad on a hot, summer day. While this version is just as flavorful as the traditional version you know, it’s also only 120 calories and packed with protein, making it a great choice for your weight loss plan.
11. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake
Of course, we can’t forget about dessert! What’s a party without a sweet treat? If you’re scoping out a sweet yet smart option at the BBQ, this cute little cupcake is better than anything else you will find. First of all, it’s absolutely delicious with its soft-baked cake exterior and creamy whipped filling. Plus, we’re all craving seasonal fruits like strawberries during summer! But the best part about this BBQ-friendly dessert? It clocks in at just 130 calories while providing three grams of fiber.
12. Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich
Ice cream on a diet? Yes, you heard us right! Nutrisystem is all about eating delicious foods while you lose weight. That’s why we created the perfect Ice Cream Sandwich: It’s got creamy vanilla ice cream between chocolatey wafers and only contains 130 calories. Better yet, it’s also a good source of protein and fiber. No wonder it’s one of our best sellers!