This time of year, it seems like there's a barbecue every weekend! I got invited to another. I feel terrible, because it's rare for me to find things that are okay for me to eat at barbecues, and thus I end up not eating much of anything. I want to cave so badly, but I know I'd regret it. Are any of you struggling with this?

First of all, let me congratulate you on having a great social life. That is something to be happy about.

There is a lot of great, healthy stuff you can eat at a barbecue. Any of the meats cooked on the grill would be alright. Do they serve salad, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables?

If they don't, maybe you can bring some along as your contribution to the meal. Bring a big leafy salad or a fruit salad. Bring some veggies on skewers to toss on the grill.

Now I'm hungry.

I don't really get invited to that many events, but I understand your struggle as I know how hard it is to stick to the diet, especially at things like BBQs at this time of year!

I have been getting invited to tons of things too. I take a healthy dish and some of my other friends are dieting. They take healthy food too. I won't lie, I do eat the dips! I love chicken wing dip.

For me, it's all the tempting cobblers and cakes! Ugh. I usually stick to grilled chicken, veggies, and fruit salad. I love coleslaw, but only if it's prepared a certain way. Maybe that's what I can contribute next time.

Our problem seems to be that we host these parties. Last night after work we decided no one wanted to really cook in the kitchen so we grilled out instead. The chicken was great but I am sure I will regret it tomorrow on weigh day.

Chicken on the grill is great and salads are too. It's the burgers and the desserts that would drive me crazy Poppy. I think the important part of these parties is that you enjoy yourself. Drink a lot of water to fill yourself up!

It's so true!! It seems like the spring is almost as bad a Christmas for parties! Everyone wants to be outside and cooking and eating to celebrate the good weather! Many times I will just take my own meat, which is usually fine for potlucks. You could always take veggie sticks for yourself too, if there aren't enough side dishes that you could eat.

Yeah, I was just gonna say, if you think it's bad now for parties. Wait until Christmas time then! Cookies on every desk, parties every week, and tons of sweet treats to take you right into February!