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5 Ways to Make Backyard BBQs Healthier This Summer

Shawn Davis, aka Chef Big Shake

Shawn Davis/CBS

America is a country that loves to barbecue. In fact, according to the National Barbecue Association, the country can trace its barbecue roots at least as far back as George Washington, who documented hosting barbecue events in 1773. Since then, people across the nation have barbecued on a regular basis, most often during the summer months, especially around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. For those looking to make this tradition a little healthier, there are plenty of options.

 

"Many people are looking for ways to eat healthier today," explains Shawn Davis, otherwise known as Chef Big Shake, the founder of CBS Foods and The Original Shrimp Burger. "The good news is that there are so many great ways to make healthier choices that you won't be compromising. Small changes can pay off big."

 

Here are 5 ways to help make a backyard barbecue healthier, this summer:

1)    Opt for a better burger. Burgers remain one of the most popular things to grill. Making the switch to shrimp burgers will help make it healthier, as they are lower in fat and calories, healthy, and contain omega-3 fatty acids.

2)    Skip the mayo. Rather than have dishes at the table that contain a lot of mayo, such as potato or macaroni salad, go for side dishes that have a dressing made from a low-fat vinaigrette or are lemon juice based.

3)    Savory sides. For side dishes, make sure there are plenty of fruits and vegetables. Grilling veggies is a great way to get some healthy nutrients into the diet, and everyone loves a slice of watermelon in the summer.

4)    Drink lightly. Try to avoid drinks with a lot of empty calories and sugar. Sticking to drinks like unsweetened tea or water will help to avoid a lot of unnecessary calories. Those who don't like plain water can add a wedge of lime or lemon to jazz it up.

5)    Cook healthy. Always keep the recommend healthy outdoor cooking guidelines in mind, including keeping hot foods hot, and cold foods cold. Food at a barbecue should not sit out for more than an hour, to prevent unhealthy bacteria from building up.

 

"Even if you are not worried about the barbecue being healthy, your guests may be," adds Davis. "Offering more healthy options will help everyone enjoy it a little more, with nobody going home feeling guilty from over-eating."

 

Chef Big Shake has created a line of frozen shrimp burgers, called "The Original Shrimp Burger." They come in five varieties, including original, jalapeño, Cajun, teriyaki, and Chesapeake Bay flavor. They are high in protein, low in fat, and contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, they are available in over 2,500 stores nationwide. In addition to shrimp burgers, the CBS Foods product line also includes lobster sliders, lobster pot pie, and lobster mac and cheese. CBS Foods was featured on the reality television show "Shark Tank" in the fall of 2011. For more information on Chef Big Shake, or to visit the store locator, visit the site at www.ChefBigShake.com

 

About CBS Foods

CBS Foods, which stands for "Chef Big Shake," was named after and founded by Shawn Davis, a man who worked his way up from restaurant dishwasher to chef to entrepreneur. After being passed up on the reality business show "Shark Tank," he received the funding he needed to take his business national. Today, his product line, which features five varieties of "The Original Shrimp Burger," is available in over 2,500 stores. His product line also includes lobster sliders, lobster pot pie, and lobster mac and cheese. To learn more about CBS Foods, visit the website at www.chefbigshake.com.

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