I love reunions and gatherings and enjoy spending time with families and friends. Summer time is special for that. As a little girl I have the best memories of summer. Spending time with my grandparents was the best part of all! Visits to museums,  carrousel rides,  horseback riding, boardgames, shakes and barbecues after a long day at the beach are just a few of my precious ones.

Summer is a very special time to make childhood memories, so as a mom I want to make the best of this time for my little ones. I plan outings and reunions, check out new recipes to cook with them and prepare a delicious fiesta every now and then. I think sharing is one of the backbones of my memories. What better way to share than to gather around an “asado” o “parrillada”.

Barbecues are still a big part of our summer activities. A barbecue is more than food, it is an experience and while daddy and the others prepare a good “asado'” o “parrilla” the rest can do different fun activities. We do many things: relay races, run obstacle courses and bean bags tosses, play music to  “freeze” or hold a “dance-off”, etc. After an hour  or so I end up exhausted but fulfilled and the food is ready to be enjoyed, meat and veggies are all part of the meal. One of my favorite summer food memories was eating my grandma’s “ensalada rusa”.  Everyone invited contributed to one delicious salad plate and a “bebida gaseosa”.   Back in old times the norm was to share, who remembers the one liter glass Coca-Cola bottle for the whole family?  I do and I treasure it!

Make it fun and healthy with the kids, to inspire you here are a few tips from expert Cristina Rivera.

• Beyond burgers: It is here to fall in the typical american trap of hamburgers and hot dogs.  Varying the proteins and keeping it finger food friendly does not have to include a chef and hours of prep work. As an alternative, try chicken breast, bison and salmon, which are sold as patties and are just as easy to grill. For a twist on sliders, ground chicken or turkey breast or even a fish such as canned tuna or salmon can be made into mini sizes. This offers guests a portion that is just enough to enjoy their food without feeling stuffed. Kabobs made with shrimp, chicken or skirt steak are always a fan favorite and as simple as placing 1-2 ounces of protein on a wooden skewer.

• Fresh take on fruits and veggies: Incorporating fruits and vegetables into a BBQ as part of the main dish or simply as a side can be as easy as flipping a burger. Use sliced onions, zucchini, peppers or mushrooms to complete the kebab ideas mentioned above. Fruits like pineapple, mangos and peaches taste sweeter when cooked and can be added to a wooden skewer to make a fruit kebab. Slice the fruit and then mold using cookie cutters and you will transform fruit into something new and fun, thus making it more appealing to both kids and adults. In season vegetables such as asparagus, eggplant and tomatoes can be brushed with olive oil and placed on aluminum foil can be cooked on the grill for side dishes.

• Simple swaps: When presented with an array of delicious food options, it can be difficult to choose what works within your lifestyle and calorie needs. Rather than depriving yourself of the foods you love and missing out, try swapping higher calorie options with foods that are more nutritious and just as enjoyable. Top burgers with avocado, kale, mushrooms or a low fat yogurt dip to save calories for other treats. To season your meats and vegetables, use fresh herbs (can be grown at home or purchased in a supermarket) like basil, rosemary or dill instead of marinades, which are typically loaded with salt. Your taste buds (and heart) will thank you. Including whole grain buns and pasta salads are another way to enjoy your favorite side dishes without the guilt. The extra fiber will help you fill up and can work in your favor if overeating is a concern. To save calories in beverages enjoy the mini soda cans for a portion controlled size. Always drink as much water as possible to hydrate, especially during the summer season!

• Nutritious options: We often don’t think of offering nutritious options for appetizers or sides in fear that nobody will eat them. Below are a few summer favorites that are sure to win over any crowd:
  • Frozen Greek Yogurt with berries: Mix 6 oz plain fat free Greek yogurt with ¼ tsp vanilla extract and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Serve with 1 cup berries or fresh fruit (150 calories)
  • Shrimp cocktail: Serve 7 medium shrimp with 1 Tbsp cocktail sauce (120 calories)
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries (8 medium berries) with 2 Tbsp low fat whipped topping (100 calories)
  • Cucumber pita pocket: Slice ½ medium cucumber into thin circles, combine with 2 Tbsp Tzatziki sauce and add to a whole wheat pita (120 calories)
  • Baked peaches: Cut a medium size peach in half and scoop a small circle in the middle. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. When cooled, fill middle with ¼ cup low fat cottage cheese. (120 calories)
  • Slice low fat mozzarella into thin slices (should look like a domino) and place in between a tomato slice and a fresh basil leaf. Serving size is three pieces (130 calories)

What are some of your Summer Memories? Share with us for a chance to win the prize pack giveaway that The Coca-Cola Company is providing in this opportunity. Package includes: nice goodie bag that contains speakers, cups, napkins, visa gift card, and mini coke cans.

This prize was provided by The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way.
#summermemories, #summerfun, #iWorkwithCoke, #SponsoredTips by Cristina Rivera, RD

Cristina Rivera is a registered dietitian as well as a Board Certified Sports Nutritionist. She is president of Nutrition in Motion PC and a consultant to The Coca-Cola Company- she provides nutrition information on behalf of the company.

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