Get set for summer with Slimming World!

Staying focused on your weight-loss goals can be tricky – even more so now with BBQ season in full swing! However, losing weight doesn’t mean you need to miss out. In fact, barbecuing is one of the tastiest ways of cooking meat, fish and vegetables. Slimming World Nutritionist Evie Lovell shares some hints and tips to fire up your weight loss… 1 Make your own burgers by using lean minced beef, pork or turkey (5 per cent fat or less).

Add extra flavour by rubbing them with herbs, fresh ginger, garlic, chilli or paprika. And if burgers don’t tickle your fancy, Slimming World Pork Sausages (available at Iceland stores) are just as tasty, and perfect for barbecues.

2 Fish is a great source of protein and is really versatile. Experiment with meaty fish and seafood like salmon, tuna or king prawns,

all of which are great on skewers with veg like courgettes and peppers. When barbecuing fish, keeping it wrapped in foil helps keep the moisture in, so your fish stays nice and juicy. You can even top it with lemon slices and black pepper if you’re feeling fancy!

3 Whip up some bean burgers to add a bit of a twist to the usual selection, or thread some chunky veg onto skewers.

Tofu chunks are great on the barbecue – for extra flavour, let the tofu marinade in a mix of soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, red chilli and garlic.

4 To really make the most of seasonal veg right now, choose veggies such as aubergines, peppers, and courgettes.

They all taste great on a skewer! For an alternative to a burger bun, a large Portobello mushroom and crisp lettuce leaves are a fab swap. For more information on how to make the most of #SeasonalVeg check out vegpower.org.uk/ seasonalveg.

5 Homemade potato salads made with fat-free natural yogurt and fresh herbs are a great way to pep up your barbecue spread.

Or try a homemade salsa to go with your fish – simply mix together some diced tomatoes, red onion and cucumber, with a splash of lemon juice and black pepper. It also goes perfectly with a rice salad with mixed beans.

6 . Treat yourself to fruit-infused sparkling water or sugar-free fizzy drinks – throw in some strawberries to lemonade to jazz it up if you like.

Or go all out with a ‘sangria’ made with diet lemonade, sugar-free squash and chopped apples and oranges, topped up with ice. To satisfy your sweet tooth, toasted marshmallows and fresh strawberries drizzled with melted chocolate are a great summer pudding!