A lot of people are trying out this new diet. But as with any diet, where does that leave you on a holiday? The Fourth of July with barbecue ribs, potato salad, and banana pudding is a dieters downfall. Rest assured, there are ways to enjoy your fourth of July, and still stick to your Alli diet plan.

The main course of any Fourth of July cook out is of course meat. But what can you cook out and still stay on your Alli diet? Remember that the key is less fat. Tofu burgers were suggested. I don't see many people running to eat Tofu. The next choice is the portobello burgers. Yum! Of course the problem isn't grilling the meat, it is your meat choice.Be sure to purchase the lower content fat hamburger. The best bet is ground chuck, since the fat content is so low. The next step is to slice the portobello mushrooms with non fat cooking spray and then to cook them on the grill. I would advise to use aluminum foil to wrap them in. I can see the mushrooms falling through the grill into the coals. The rolls, preferably kaiser rolls, can be toasted on the grill. Then enjoy your portobello mushroom burger complete with meat, mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. Believe it or not, mayonnaise. Remember you are allowed a certain amount of fat on this diet.

So we have the main course out of the way. What can you eat for a side dish on the Alli diet? How about Boston backed beans, homemade without all the fat of regular homemade baked beans. You will need 2 cups dried small white beans, 4 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 2 cups chopped onions, half a cup molasses, 1 tablespoon dry mustard, and half a teaspoon of salt. In a large pan mix the beans, water, bay leaves and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for an hour. Them remove the bay leaves and add the onions, molasses and mustard. Season with salt and pepper and place in a casserole dish and bake for 4 hours at 325 degrees. Of course this is a dish that you might want to prepare for the day before. Remember that this serves four, so adjust your recipe if needed.

The Alli diet even states that deviled eggs are ok, as long as diet mayonnaise is used. What would a fourth of July picnic be without deviled eggs? Although salt is allowed on this diet, they do suggest limiting your salt intake, so don't salt the eggs too much.

-

Learn more about this author, Dahloan Hembre.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Fourth of July foods that work with the Alli diet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!