Eat well at summery outings

With summer on the way, it's a safe bet most of us will be partaking in typical seasonal activities, many of which revolve around eating and drinking. Here, celebrity trainer and fitness expert David Kirsch offers his tips on making smart choices wherever the summer takes you.

A backyard barbecue
Summer barbecues are often filled with less-than-ideal food choices. This year, ditch the fat-laden hot dogs, burgers and hot wings and grill up a bounty of delicious healthy fare instead. Swapping traditional 'cue staples for lean turkey or buffalo burgers can save you almost 1,000 calories and more than 80 grams of fat. In place of greasy starters such as chips and French onion dip, try a nonfat hummus dip with crudités. This healthy appetizer saves up to 22 grams of fat, filling you up without the heavy stuff. Skip the fatty potato salad and shave off up to 260 calories with a refreshing summer side like a crisp cucumber salad. Dessert is essential to creating the perfect barbecue menu, but that doesn't mean a free pass on apple pie. The seemingly harmless dessert packs 411 calories per slice. Instead, opt for a light treat like a homemade Popsicle. Try one of my recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a vitamin boost.

Rooftop cocktails
Alcoholic drinks are often packed with calories, so make sure you weigh your options carefully. Always make sure you eat before you go out - when you have food in your stomach, it slows the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. To drink, your best bet is heart-healthy red wine, which has fewer calories and carbs than other types of alcohol, followed by Champagne and beer. Your absolute worst option is a sugar-heavy mixed drink, like a piña colada. If you simply must have a cocktail with a pretty umbrella in it, swap high-calorie mixers (juice, soda) for low- or no-calorie mixers (iced black or green tea or club soda). Also, make sure you follow every drink with one to two glasses of water. This will continue to hydrate your body and lessen the amount of alcohol you consume.

A baseball game
There are so many choices at a baseball game. Optimally, you should drink water to stay hydrated, especially in the sun. However, if you want to splurge and have a beer, make sure it's light. Choose peanuts over popcorn or cracker jacks - the protein will keep you full. Choose a burger over a hot dog. Condiments like ketchup can pack an extra 30 calories and 15% of your daily sodium intake, so skip the red stuff. Also, avoid cheese on your burger and, if you can, eat it without a bun (or at least with half of one).

A day at the beach
The beach should be the easiest place for ladies to eat healthy - you're wearing a bikini! Pack healthy snacks like apples, berries and oranges. Also be sure to stay hydrated by drinking unsweetened iced tea, water and my David Kirsch Thermo Bubbles. If you're planning on packing chips, make sure they're the baked kind. Keep your snacks light and clean.

The ice cream truck
Choose an ice pop over ice cream, because it generally has less fat. If you have a serious ice cream craving, choose one of the smallest cups over an ice-cream sandwich - it'll satisfy your craving without as many calories.

For more fitness tips, follow David on Twitter @DavidKirsch or visit davidkirschwellness.com