Summertime means cookouts and dining al fresco, but are you tired of the same old burger and chips? I visited the nationally syndicated Daytime show to share ideas and tips from some great brands that I partnered with.

Let’s start with your entrée and let’s think pork. Every cookout deserves the flavor boost and nutritional benefits that pork brings. With so many varieties to choose from, it’s easy to pair lean, pork cuts with almost any flavor for a juicy, tender and mouthwatering experience.

Plus there are 7 cuts of pork that meet the USDA guidelines for lean or extra lean.
Before we get cooking to ensure you grill-it-up right this summer, the National Pork Board recommends cooking pork chops, loin roasts and tenderloin to an internal temperature between 145°F (medium rare) and 160°F (medium), followed by a three-minute rest.

I grilled up Grilled Pork Chops with Basil-Garlic Rub – Perfect for a hot summer day, these lean Ribeye pork chops with fresh basil add bright flavors to your summer dinner repertoire – all at 210 calories.

For more recipes and to learn tips on grilling with lean pork, visit the National Pork Board at PorkBeinspired.com.

Next let’s shake up your sides and swap chips for Wonderful Pistachio. Unlike potato chips, pistachios offer a good source of protein and fiber, with more than three times as many pieces per serving.

Pistachios give you 49 nuts per serving; compare that to just 15 potato chips per serving (and who eats just 15 potato chips?). Plus you can still a variety of flavors with pistachios and cracking the shells may help you slow down your snacking.

What about your sweet tooth?

barkTHINS®, creators of snacking chocolate, are the perfect way to enjoy a high quality, great tasting chocolate snack mixed with mindful and delicious inclusions like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and toasted coconut.

Fair Trade chocolate, non-GMO project verified, and available in re-sealable pouches make this a snack that is personal, portable, and delightful.

What I also want to tell you is barkTHINS® is embarking on an 11-city tour this year, helping people make better snacking choices at work by transforming 1 company breakroom in each city complete with 3 months of better snack and beverage choices. Enter to win and learn more at www.barkTHINS.com

 Nothing says summer like a refreshing drink, but I like mine to do more than just hydrate so I love POM Wonderful. It’s a little sweet, a little tart and it’s powered by pomegranate antioxidants without added sugar or cheap filler juices.

Mix 1 part POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice with 1 part sparkling water for a skinny summer mocktail that’s big on taste and light on calories. You can also freeze POM Wonderful for a crazy healthy twist on an old favorite—POM Popsicles. Unlike other frozen treats, POM Wonderful is 100% pure, with no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors or colors.

How are you planning to give your favorite summer treats a fresh twist this year?