When you are dieting or sticking with a strict eating plan, gathering for summer parties can be a real let-down. After all, you certainly don’t want to be socially out of the loop, but each indulgence can really begin to cut into your eating plan, causing you to backslide. Luckily, you can have your cake and eat it too, so to speak. There are plenty of company-worthy dishes that can be prepared on a fire pit or grill, while still being calorie-conscious. These aren’t exotic fare, either. Go into any grocery store and you can find low-calorie choices that are ideal for grilling. If you throw the party, you can fill your menu with these options and no one will be the wiser. However, even if you are just guest, bringing one of these choices for a potluck offering will ensure that you always have an appropriate food choice available.

Poultry

Poultry is the healthy diner’s best friend. Of course, in order for a poultry dish to qualify as low-calorie, you have to select the best cuts of meat, as well as pay attention to the preparation methods that you use. The breast meat of both chicken and turkey are the best choices for a low-calories poultry dish. When using a fire pit, you have to be extremely careful, however, not to dry out the meat. Using a marinade can be distinctly helpful. Select options that do not use excessive oil, however, to keep the calories count down. Poultry, surprisingly, can be tenderized by soaking in milk; the enzymes break down the meat fibers making it extremely tender for grilling or cooking on a fire pit. A milk marinade can be coupled with a dry spice rub to make a dish that will wow even the most discerning meat-eater.

Fish

Fish is another low-calorie choice that does very well in a fire pit. Depending on what your finished dish is, there are several ways that you cook a lean fish recipe. Some people place the fish in a square of tin foil, adding seasoning right to the mix. When the packet is closed up, it can be placed right on the coals and steamed. Again, go easy of the butter and oil- just a little for flavoring is sufficient. If you grill the fish on the fire pit grate, always place it skin side down and grease the grates liberally. Cod, haddock and sole are lower is calories than fish such as salmon.