Dr. Doni Wilson, naturopathic doctor and health expert, offers some practical advice for enjoying summer cookouts without the foods that cause health issues.
Going to a BBQ or cookout this weekend, but nervous that you won’t have anything to eat?
Once you discover that you feel better without some of the foods that you commonly find at a BBQ—wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, and sugar—you’ll want solutions to keep you well, without giving up any of the summer fun.
I have some tips for you!
- Bring food you know you can eat
In addition to BYOB (bring your own beverage), make it BYOF (bring your own food) too! Bring a grass-fed steak, wild salmon filet, or Hilary’s vegan patty (or your preferred protein) to throw on the barbecue, and perhaps extra to share. Another idea is to bring a side dish (see #2) and/or a dessert that you know you can eat. - Be inspired by a classic recipe and make it fit for you
Could be a salad, shish-kabobs, or another side dish that you love—be creative and replace the gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and sugar with tasty alternatives. It is actually simpler than you might think. For example, I researched recipes for Broccoli Slaw—an alternative to the classic cole slaw—and came up with all sorts of solutions to make it healthy and taste great. See my recipe, with options, below. - Empower others to join you
Perhaps you could invite others to bring their own favorite food to grill. Or create a theme for the party—Thai flavors or Hawaiian luau, for example—and each bring a dish with that theme in mind. This allows you to make your special dish, whether others know it is gluten/dairy/egg/soy/sugar free, or not.
So for your fun summer weekend—don’t give up the BBQ! Give up the foods that drag you down. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make foods you can enjoy, and to inspire others to do the same.
To find a whole bunch of gluten/dairy/egg/soy/sugar free recipes, be sure to check out The Stress Remedy book, which includes a three-week meal plan with recipes.
To find more recipes on my website, click here.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
–Dr. Doni
28th August 2014
Recipe for Broccoli Slaw – with options to make it yours
3 cups broccoli slaw – pre-purchased (two 12 oz packages); or peel and grate broccoli stems
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or your preferred oil
2 TB apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar or coconut aminos
1 TB dijon mustard or 1 tsp peeled, grated ginger
1/2 tsp powdered stevia or 3 TB raw honey or 1 tsp juice of lime (optional)
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
1/4 tsp pepper (optional)
Mix the oil, vinegar (or aminos), mustard or ginger, sweetener of your choice (or none), salt and pepper (if desired). Pour over the broccoli slaw (grated stems). Add any extras that you like and serve cold. It is also possible to heat the slaw and serve warm.
You may also add:
- broccoli florets
- cherry tomatoes and/or cilantro
- scallions, onions and/or garlic
- sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds
- cashews or almonds (or any raw, roasted or sprouted nuts)
- nitrate-free bacon (pork or turkey)