Vacations, BBQ's and Graduation Parties Oh My!!!

At this time of the year it is so customary to get ready for one event to the next. That is no different in this house where we have been thrown into the mix of all the celebratory gatherings. The only downside to all this partying is the constant buffet that is laid before us at each one. In Pennsylvania the common foods at a BBQ are hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad, potato salad, and our beloved tomato pie. Now obviously other homes may differ, but whenever we go to these events these seem to be the staple.
Now if you don't know what tomato pie is it is absolute heaven in a box. It is a cold rectangular shaped pizza, but it is cold. The sauce is put on top of the dough like traditional pizza, but the only topping is parmesan cheese. Why am I obsessing over tomato pie? Well simply because you could easily eat 5 pieces and not take a breath in between it is that good. It is also terrible for anyone who is doing a portion controlled diet or simply just making a healthy lifestyle change. So what is the lesson to learn from this? Well no matter where we go or where we are from we are always going to have that one thing that is going to cause us to make a decision. My feeling is that I would like to enjoy the tomato pie and need to make sure that the rest of my food choices are smart and sensible. I also need to decide if the extra cardio in the morning is going to be worth it.

So as an easy way to make the choices here are some great alternatives for you to choose or bring to the next gathering. That way you are not faced with the tough choice and have control over what you eat at these celebrations. Also it is a great way for you to enjoy that food you really do love.

Macaroni Salad
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/recipe-quick-pasta-salad

Potato Salad
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/learn-cook-best-basic-potato-salad

Brownies
http://deliciouslyorganic.net/fudgy-brownie-recipe-grain-free-paleo/

Tomato Pie (I still have to try this and be the judge, but let me know if you do!!)
http://www.americanflatbreadproducts.com/farmers-tomato-pie/

The original from Corropolese Bakery