Foods 9 nutritionists never eat at barbecues

Although dietitians recommend and not considering any foods off-limits, I know many are particular about what they choose to eat — and what they feel better about avoiding. Barbecue season is no exception. Here’s what nine nutrition experts around the country will be saying “no thank you” to this summer:

**1. Potato Salad** 鈥淚 will never touch potato salad with lots of hard-boiled eggs and homemade mayo because often the eggs spoil out in the heat, which can lead to . Instead, I look for fresh salads without any eggs or dairy in them. Not only do they tend to be a little lighter and lower in fat, but they鈥檙e also safer out in the sun.鈥� 鈥� *, registered dietitian, blogger and YouTuber at Abbey鈥檚 Kitchen* (Thinkstock)

This June 8, 2015 photo shows bratwurst grinders with apple, cheddar and sauerkraut in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead) — **2. Bratwurst** 鈥淎s much as I love summertime and cooking outside, there are certain foods I stay away from. One of those is a full-fat sausage or bratwurst. A regular-sized brat can have almost 850 milligrams of sodium and 30 grams of fat, which adds up to a lot of calories. Instead, I choose a barbecue chicken breast or and load it with all the veggies available.鈥� 鈥� *, registered dietitian at Nutrition Pro Consulting* (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

**4. Coleslaw** 鈥淐oleslaw is usually drenched with full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream, making it a high-calorie side dish. Instead, I opt for a regular salad with light dressing or . If neither of those options are available, I鈥檒l load up on sandwich veggies like lettuce or spinach, tomato and cucumber.鈥� 鈥� *, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Elevate Nutrition Consulting* (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

**5. Baked Beans** 鈥淚 often skip the baked beans at cookouts because they鈥檙e typically loaded with added sugar and sodium, no matter if they鈥檙e canned or homemade, which often leaves me wanting more rather than feeling satisfied. Instead, I鈥檒l look for (or bring) a or fresh corn on the cob 鈥� something that鈥檚 got a similar hardiness, but with a tangy or savory approach, so I鈥檓 left satisfied 鈥� not craving more.鈥� 鈥� *Carolyn L. Williams, registered dietitian nutritionist, contributing editor for the 鈥淐ooking Light Diet鈥� and 2017 James Beard Journalism award winner* (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

**6. Meat Alternatives** 鈥淎s a , people are surprised that I refuse most meat alternatives, but I do so for a variety of reasons. Many 鈥榲eggie鈥� dogs and burgers are actually very rich in fat and not high enough in protein. Plus, they tend to have too many unfamiliar ingredients for my liking. Even jackfruit, a newly popular meat alternative that may seem like a great pulled pork substitute, only has only 2 grams of protein per serving. As an alternative, I will eat , a real bean burger or egg salad.鈥� 鈥� *, sports dietitian and blogger in Philadelphia* (Thinkstock)

Summer is here, and that means it's time to fire up the grill. An expert butcher offer his best tips on selecting, and cooking, meat this summer. (Thinkstock) — **7. Charred Meat** 鈥淎lthough meats are often the highlight at a barbecue, I avoid charred varieties. When proteins are cooked on high heat over an open flame, potentially cancer-promoting compounds called heterocyclic amines and aged glycemic end products are produced. Instead, I enjoy marinated meats and grilled veggies.鈥� 鈥� *Alicia Slusarek, registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition consultant in Wisconsin* (Thinkstock)

This May 5, 2014 photo shows Greek shrimp and feta pasta salad in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead) — **8. Pasta Salad** 鈥淭he item I would never touch at a barbecue is a dish like pasta salad that鈥檚 been sitting out too long in the hot sun. Illness-causing bacteria can quickly grow on perishable foods, and pasta salad is often overlooked as necessary to keep chilled. A good to follow: Leave perishable food dishes out for no more than two hours before refrigerating and, if it鈥檚 90-degrees or hotter, leave it out for no more than one hour.鈥� 鈥� *, registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition consultant at Triad to Wellness* (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

9. Soda 鈥淎 barbecue staple I avoid is because it is loaded with massive amounts of sugar and calories. Refreshing ice-cold water or flavored seltzer waters are hydrating and naturally calorie-free. Plop a couple of berries or watermelon chunks from the fruit salad or cucumber slices from the veggie tray into your drink to add a mild fresh flavor. Keeping one hand full of a cup of water also helps reduce nibbling on calorie-bomb appetizers.鈥� 鈥� , Arizona-based registered dietitian, nutrition consultant and writer (Thinkstock)

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