Summer food reminders. . . for your health

++  Summertime is the time to socialize outdoors with family and friends.  It's not a time to sacrifice healthy habits.  Some reminders:

•  Keep food safety in mind:  keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and don't cross-contaminate. 
•  Use the grill to boost flavor and let fat (and calories) drip away.  Try wrapping fish or poultry in foil with seasonings to help keep it moist.
•  Try other meats.  Bison, turkey, and vegetarian burgers tend to be less fatty than beef. 
•  Experiment with fun but non-alcoholic drinks.  Alcohol adds empty calories and can stimulate your appetite.  Puree berries, peaches, other fruit in a blender or food processor to add zing to your drinks.
•  Also, use fresh fruits to satisfy a sweet tooth.  
•  Make seasonal vegetables a focus of your meal.  Try out new ones.  Explore the farmers' market. 

Make your guests, not food/drink, the focus of your gathering and you're sure to have fun.