Surviving Summer Pot Lucks: Grilled Veggies!!

The summer months bring with them plenty of gatherings that challenge my willpower to stick with a healthy diet.  Pot lucks are fraught with a tempting selection of chips and dips, high-carb salads with potatoes or pasta, and sweets galore.  This year, I've managed to get through several parties without indulging by bringing a medley of grilled veggies each time.  Paired with some grilled chicken or tri-tip and a nice green salad, we avoid temptation by avoiding hunger.

To make this particular batch, we cut up a selection of veggies including bell peppers, onions, zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms.  Any combination of veggies you like will do!  In a large bowl, we toss the cut veggies with some grapeseed oil, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper.  For this batch, my husband tossed in some sunflower seeds as well - yummy!

 
We use this grilling basket on the BBQ to grill the veggies.  My husband usually takes care of the grilling, so I got these details from him.  He starts with them on a hot flame, stirring to sear the edges.  After the veggies sear, he turns the flame down so the temperature comes down to ~400 degrees F.  He adds a layer of tin foil under the grilling basket to catch the juices and achieve a steaming effect by cooking them with the grill closed until they are done (for this batch it was another 30 - 40 minutes, but would depend on the grill and the size of the batch, of course). 

When taking these to a pot luck, we grill the veggies ahead of time, then keep them warm by making a foil packet big enough to contain all the veggies after they're cooked.  We put the foil packet full of veggies inside a small baking sheet.  When we arrive at the party, we can reheat the veggies if necessary, open the packet, and add a serving spoon.  Super easy, soooo yummy, and wonderfully healthy!

How do you stick with your healthy eating plan away from home??

This post is linked up to the following link parties:

The Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Nap Time 
Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House 
Link Party @ Polish the Stars 
Tutorials & Tips Link Party @ Home Stories A to Z 
Simply Sensational Tuesday @ Organizing Homelife 
Home Decor and Organizing Party @ organize & decorate everything 
The Creative Spark @ Clean & Scentsible 
Home is Where the Heart Is @ Homestead Simple 
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts