Are you ready for the summer BBQ season to begin? Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off for summer BBQs, but don’t let it derail the healthy habits that you have formed. If you are curious about what to eat, I’ve got you covered!

Appetizers
Before the grill gets fired up, don’t fill up on empty calories from potato chips and dips. Instead, have a handful of tortilla chips with salsa. I love mango salsa and will bring my own if the host has requested guests to bring a dish. Place a handful of chips on a plate and avoid hanging around the serving table. Once the handful is gone, you’re done with the chips. It’s really easy to eat 2 or 3 servings (360 calories +!) and not even realize it. Veggies and The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges or hummus are also are a great pre-meal appetizer to keep you from overeating when it comes time for the main meal.

Pick your protein
Always go for the lean beef, vegetarian or poultry items. Sadly, beefy burgers and hot dogs are not on my list for items to eat at a BBQ. If you know the beef being served is lean, go ahead and splurge if you love them. Most frozen patty varieties have between 240-330 calories with 17-23 grams of fat. That’s not even including cheese or the bun. Instead, opt for a veggie, turkey or chicken burger if a leaner beef isn’t available. To save on calories for other treats that look delicious, go bun-less or just use one side. If there are no utensils to use, scoop out the insides of the bun if it’s a thick one.

Smart toppings
While ketchup and BBQ sauce are low-calorie options, they are loaded with sugars. When it comes to topping your burger, try portion-controlled wedges of The Laughing Cow cheeses. My personal favorite is adding Franks Red Hot with a wedge of The Laughing Cow. The runner up topping goes to fresh sliced avocado with The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss and sprouts. Try adding fresh fruit if you want a sweet topping like fresh apple or grilled pineapple!

Smart side dishes
When it comes to side dishes, this is where you run into trouble in the diet department. Creamy pasta salads, potato salads, coleslaw and even other seemingly healthy alternatives like broccoli salad are made with mayonnaise, which is high in fats and empty calories. Choose a side salad that appears to be made with a vinaigrette instead. Feel free to skip adding these to your plate altogether if you are willing. Instead, fill it with corn on the cobb, salad greens, a baked potato or grilled vegetables.

What to bring
Need to bring a side dish to the party? Grilled vegetables are one of my favorites to bring along – zucchini, summer squash, peppers, mushrooms, onions and eggplant being the top picks. Add a little olive oil, salt and pepper for seasoning and voila! Combine chopped grilled veggies, quinoa and your favorite low-fat balsamic vinaigrette for a higher protein pasta salad your guests will love.

If you must have something sweet for dessert, fresh watermelon is my top pick. It will help keep you hydrated while out in the sun and is sweet enough to crush those cravings for dessert.

And, don’t forget to stay hydrated while you enjoy some fun in the sun!

Here’s a few ideas I’ve come up with, please share yours in the comments. I need all the help I can get!

Celery Topping Bar. Pull out any and all nut butters, your kids’ favorite flavor of The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges and some dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, cut apricots, banana chips, etc. Give the kids a butter knife and let them go to town smearing their favorite filling on celery sticks and then sprinkling on their toppings of choice!

Popcorn Popper and Topper Time. I’m not going to lie, I LOVE popcorn and that is something I passed on to my kids. I used to buy microwavable bags but have since graduated to a small air popper. My 2 year old loves nothing more than watching the popcorn pop and fall into the bowl. The best part: We can flavor the popcorn anyway we like! Our go-to is just a spritz of non-stick cooking spray and kosher salt. We’ve also tried cinnamon and powdered sugar, Old Bay (may be too spicy for kids) and white cheddar powder.

Banana Soft Serve. This is one of my kid’s favorite snacks, and I love that it’s only fruit! The idea is simple: freeze ripe bananas (plus any other of your favorite fruits) and process it into an ice cream-like consistency using your hand held blender or food processor. Our favorite combo is banana, strawberry and blueberry. More recently, I froze an aging mango and added it to the banana – it was divine!

Mini Babybel Cheese Rounds. Last, but certainly not least, if you are trying to think of a quick snack you can feel great about giving your children, choose a Mini Babybel cheese round with some fresh fruits and veggies. With eight delicious flavors to choose from, there is one for every palate in the family! Paired with fruits and veggies, it’s a great protein to carb ratio for snacks.

Summer is right around the corner, and after a long, cold and snowy winter here in New England, I’m more than ready to enjoy it. I’m all about maintaining my healthy lifestyle without losing out on fun or good taste, so here are four ways I plan to live a carefree summer!

Switch into vacation mode
Because my job is so intertwined with my life, it’s often difficult for me to “disconnect.” When I’m not working, it’s important to consciously switch from work mode to vacation mode, which, for me, means not checking my email every five minutes or replying to comments on Sunday morning. I know when I give myself a true break from work, I’m better able to relax and fully enjoy myself which is the true meaning of summer, right? Plus when I return to work, I’m more focused and productive!

Make splurges count
Barbecues and outdoor parties are my favorite part of the summer! Who can resist good friends, good times and good food? But, sometimes, these get-togethers make it too easy to overindulge. I know one day of splurging won’t do much damage, but regularly letting loose at barbeques all summer long isn’t the best idea if I want to fit into my jeans come Labor Day. To make sure I don’t overdo it on high-calorie party foods, I choose wisely and select the ones I want most. For instance, I have a major sweet tooth, so I typically skip the appetizers – especially if they’re the same old chips and dip – and wait for the dessert options at the end of the party. If you’re more of a savory snacker, try making lighten versions of your favorite dips or appetizers!

Get outside and get moving
We all know that being outside in the sunshine can boost your mood, so I try to get outside and get moving for at least 30 minutes each day. Whether it’s a 3-mile jog or taking my dog Murphy (pictured) for an afternoon walk, being outside in the summer sun naturally lifts my spirits, and I’m able to fit in some exercise at the same time.

Add little bits of fun
Of course, I’d love to spend my entire summer on Cape Cod in a beach house, but my schedule (and wallet) doesn’t allow for it. Instead, I fully enjoy my summer by adding little bits of fun to each day. For example, maybe I make a big batch of iced tea or I set the table outside on our back porch, so my husband and I can dine al fresco. Incorporating simple pleasures like this into my day makes the summer season all that much more enjoyable!

What are you looking forward to most this summer?

We usually have a pretty low-key and relaxing Mother’s Day in our house. I get a free pass from all chores and get to sleep in without being disturbed. Waffles or pancakes with eggs and bacon are on the menu for breakfast – something that we all enjoy eating but a little more special than the average morning!

I love to receive handmade cards and gifts that my kids make at school. We always go to church as a family, and all the children usually sing a special song for the moms on Mother’s Day.

Weather permitting, now that we are living in Colorado with so many beautiful things to do outside, I would love to add the tradition of going on a mountain hike and enjoying a picnic lunch for Mother’s Day.

Here are a few ideas to pack in a Mother’s Day picnic lunch:
These are also all great options for a lunch in your back yard!

• Fresh Fruit and Mini Babybel cheese rounds *just make sure you pack some ice packs for the cheese, too!
• Turkey and Artichoke Sub Sandwiches
• Cucumber and Avocado Sandwiches *made extra special with Smooth Sensations Cream Cheese Spread Garden Vegetable 1/3 less fat!
• Spring Pasta Salad
• Raspberry Tangerine Iced Tea
• Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
• And last, but not least, dessert: No Bake Raspberry Cheesecake Pots

Do you have any favorite Mother’s Day activities or traditions?

The Pushup: Works the chest, shoulders, upper back, arms and core
One of the most challenging and rewarding moves for your body requires no equipment at all. The pushup sculpts your chest, shoulders, biceps and triceps – helping create an upper body that deserves to be shown off in summer tank tops. Lastly, it works your back which helps you stand taller, thus making you look leaner! Add an instability element to work your core.

While the traditional pushup is done with hands slightly wider than shoulder distance apart and feet hip width apart, there are many variations of this move to prevent any plateaus. Try doing 3 sets of as many pushups as you can without stopping. You want to fatigue your chest muscles. Take a minute or two to recover in between sets. If you can do 20 no problem, try adding one of the more challenging variations from below.

Variations: Make it easier by lowering the knees to the ground or stand up and place hands on a bench or wall. To make it harder, add a challenge to your core by placing your hands on a bosu ball or feet on top of a physio ball. You can also try stacking your feet, one on top of the other.

The Lunge: Works lower body and core
The lunge is one of the best moves a female can do because not only is it helping tone your legs and lift your butt, but since you are working the quadriceps, it burns the most calories too! Lunges will not create bigger thighs. Burning calories helps melt the fat and doing strength exercises gives them definition by tightening the muscle mass. On top of that, lower body strength exercises help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Building muscle in your lower body will also help elevate your resting metabolism!

A traditional reverse lunge can be done using just your bodyweight. Start with feet shoulder distance apart. Take a step back with your right foot and lower down until right knee touches the floor. Left thigh and right shin should be parallel with the floor. Both knees should form right angles. Press through your left heel feeling a squeeze in the left side of your bum to return to starting position. Then, step back with your left foot and lower down until left knee touches the floor. Repeat by alternating sides.

Variations: Walking lunges, static lunges, curtsy lunges, side lunges and jump lunges are some of my favorite variations of the lunge. Try doing 3 sets of 12-20 reps of one exercise or do a different variation for each of the three sets. To make this move harder, hold a pair of dumbbells.

The Plank: Works your entire body but mainly your core.
This is one of my favorite workouts! The plank strengthens your entire core but works all the stability muscles in your body. It is one of the most effective exercises for getting a flat stomach and reducing love handles. It also helps your posture and strengthens your lower back.

To do a plank, start on your forearms and keep feet hip width distance apart. Suck belly button in towards your lower back. Pinch shoulder blades together and away from your ears, pulling them down your back. Squeeze your glutes and lift knee caps up towards your hips while pressing heels away from tail bone. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Lower and rest for 60 seconds. Repeat for a total of 3 sets.

Variations: Make this move harder by holding the plank up to 90 seconds or by lifting one foot for 10-30 seconds. You may also place your hands on a bosu or physio ball to create instability. To work your love handles, try doing the plank on your side by stacking feet on top of each other and balancing on one forearm. Make sure to keep shoulder pressed down and away from your ears by elongating your neck.

Make sure to also have a recovery snack! I love to have a wedge of Smooth Sensations Cream Cheese Spread Cinnamon Cream 1/3 less fat on a bagel thin. What is your favorite post-workout snack?

If I’m not careful, Mexican food can be a diet disaster for me! I love cheesy queso dip and nachos piled high with all the fixings, but I know these foods aren’t the healthiest. I plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lower-calorie, yet flavorful appetizers and snacks made with The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle Cheese Wedges.

Queso Fresco & Chipotle Dip
Queso dip just got lighter! Sour cream, butter, and loads and loads of shredded cheese are replaced with The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle Cheese Wedges and Greek yogurt. This dip is so thick, creamy and flavorful – you won’t even miss the original! Bonus: The recipe only calls for 3 ingredients, so it’s super quick and easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 8 wedges of The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle
• 1/2 cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup salsa

Directions: Combine ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with veggie crudités, tortilla chips, or rice crackers.

Queso Fresco & Chipotle Guacamole
I love guacamole and, boy, do I love cheese. This recipe takes regular guacamole one step further by adding some cheesy goodness and serious flavor from the The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle Cheese Wedges. Your taste buds will love the combination!

Ingredients:

• 4 wedges of The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle
• 1 medium avocado
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder

Directions: Combine ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with veggie crudités, tortilla chips, or rice crackers.

Cinco de Mayo Chipotle Cake
This snack combines all the best flavors and textures of Cinco de Mayo: spicy, cheesy, and crunchy! Just spread a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle on a plain rice cake, add a sprinkle of chipotle chili powder and top with red bell pepper slices for some added nutrients. You’ll have a health-conscious, delicious snack in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle
• 1 plain rice cake
• 2 slices of red bell pepper
• Chipotle chili powder to taste

Directions: Spread a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle on a rice cake. Top with red pepper and a sprinkle of chipotle powder.

Instead of living off fried chicken sandwiches and bags of chips, I’m trying to be more prepared with health-conscious snacks I can just grab out of the pantry or refrigerator. I usually find I’m more satisfied when I pair two small snacks together.

Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Dried Blueberries and Cashews. If you happen to live by Trader Joe’s, they carry unsweetened dried blueberries (which I prefer), but I’ve used the sweetened ones as well. There’s just something about the sweet, chewy dried blueberry and the creamy cashew together. Even my kids love this one!

Raw Almonds and Mini Babybel Original. Honestly, any Mini Babybel is yummy with almonds. I find there’s just something about the creamy texture of Mini Babybel Original with almonds that is completely satisfying. This is a go-to snack for any family!

Roasted Sunflower Seeds Kernels and Dried Cranberries. Salty, sweet and tart all in one yummy bite! My 2-year-old son loves this combo as well!

Carrot sticks and Smooth Sensations Cream Cheese Spread Garden Vegetable 1/3 less fat. I’ve always loved carrots as a crunchy snack, but dip them in some creamy Smooth Sensations Cream Cheese Spread Garden Vegetable and it totally ups the yum factor!

Apple and Almond Butter. This used to be a hard to grab-and-go with, but now they make squeezable almond butter! One of my favorite snacks in now that much easier to take on the run!

These are just a few ideas, of course. Make up your own combos and keep them on hand in little baggies. Being prepared makes eating healthy on the run that much easier!

Last summer we were in the midst of an out-of-state move. We were so busy packing and unpacking at the beginning of the summer and then just adjusting to living somewhere new, that we didn’t make any formal summer plans. We spent a lot of time at our neighborhood pool and went on a few short executions, like the zoo or a day trip to the mountains. This summer I want to be more intentional about our plans since we are now settled in our new home.

I’ve been curating a pin board for quite a while called “For the Kids.” I like to pin activities, crafts, trips or other ideas I think would be fun for my children during the summer. Once the school year starts to wind down a little more, I plan on looking through the board with my family so we can make a list of 25 Fun Things to do This Summer. I think we will follow through with everything we want to do if we proactively decide in advance what types of activities are important to us.

Here are a few highlights from the list, along with a couple others that are my own ideas. I’ll wait for input from the kids before we have a final list, of course!

• Watercolor stencil art
• Plastic bottle waterwall
• Key wind chimes
• Outdoor garden tic-tac-toe
• Make a fort
• Make popsicles
• Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
• Strawberry picking
• Go to the Farmer’s Market and play in the creek again (we did this last summer)

Whenever we go out on family outings, we like to pack easy, smart snacks so that we don’t waste money on unhealthy food that doesn’t always taste good. Things like orange sections, watermelon slices, grapes, almonds and whole grain crackers with The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges are some of our favorites. If we’re hanging around the house aking things, we love to snack on some fresh fruits or veggies and Mini Babybel cheese rounds.

What summer outings are you planning this year?

It’s almost swimsuit season! There’s not need to fret about slipping into a bathing suit if you do a little pre-summer planning to get yourself into the right state of mind. These easy tips and tricks will fit right into your current healthy habits and get you ready to wear your swimsuit in confidence!

Health-conscious eating

Think 50/50. When making a meal, aim to have fruits and veggies make up about half of your plate. All of the brightly colored produce fills you up and packs tons of nutrients into your diet!

Keep your healthy food options visible. Instead of keeping fresh fruits and veggies in refrigerator drawers where you can’t see them, put your produce on your kitchen counter. *Bonus – have it cut up and ready to grab and go!

Eat a protein-packed breakfast. Try this recipe: 2 eggs, 1 egg white, a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Garlic & Herb, and a handful of fresh spinach. Eating a protein-filled breakfast will satisfy you between meals, so you don’t overeat later on.

Instead of drinking soda or juice, add frozen berries to your water bottle. They’ll add some subtle sweetness and encourage you to drink more throughout the day.

Exercise

Recruit a buddy to exercise with you. Having this kind of support will help keep you motivated so you both achieve your goals!

Start increasing your cardio workouts by 5 minutes each week. It might not seem like a lot, but those minutes will definitely add up!

Mix up your cardio with a Tabata. A Tabata is 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest and repeated 8 times. It’s a great way to torch some calories!

Go outside and play. Instead of trudging along on the treadmill at the gym, ride your bike, play Frisbee, or explore a new neighborhood on foot. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it includes some fun!

Body confidence

Create a bathing suit inspiration board. For example, a Pinterest board with workouts, healthy recipes, and images of cute bathing suits is a great source of motivations. This will keep you on track toward your summer shape-up goals!

Do some bathing suit window shopping. You might not be quite ready to commit to a bathing suit, but you can motivate yourself by browsing websites online to find a style that you like and will flatter your shape.

Practice wearing your bathing suit around the house. Get use to wearing your swimsuit with confidence in the comfort of your own home, so when it’s time to wear it in public, you’ll look like a pro!

I can’t just make a “normal” grilled cheese. I like to have fun creating flavorful and satisfying sandwiches. This is my favorite grilled cheese idea to date!

The tart apple and the salty bacon come together with the creamy yummy-ness of a Mini Babybel White Cheddar. This sandwich is warm and tasty – for around 260 calories!

Grilled Babybel with Apples and Bacon

• 1 Mini Babybel White Cheddar
• 1/2 small tart apple
• 1 tsp whole grain mustard
• 1 Whole Grain Sandwich Thin
• 1 tbsp real bacon bits

Cut the cheese and apple into small cubes. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the mustard on half of the sandwich thin and place in the skillet mustard side up. Pile the cubed apple and cheese on the sandwich thin and top with the bacon bits. Lay the other half of sandwich thin on top and press down gently. Cover and cook until the cheese starts to melt and the sandwich thin crisps up – approximately 4-5 minutes. Uncover, flip and crisp the other side for about 3 more minutes. Cut in half and enjoy a warm cheesy lunch!

Happy National Grilled Cheese Month!