Monday is Memorial Day and, while we honor this day of remembrance, we know that across the U.S., it has become common to hold backyard barbecues. Usually, these types of events could be considered danger zones for those of us watching what we eat.

For that, we have some tips:

• Try not to go on an empty stomach. If you’re starving, you’re going to devour everything in sight and probably not pay attention to how much you’re consuming.

• Every time you feel the urge to eat something that’s not exactly “on plan,” try asking yourself “Is it worth it?” More often than not, the answer is no. Save your points (or calories) for dishes or treats that are.

• Fill your plate with veggies and fruits. Try to save very little room for the not-so-good-for-you options.

• If there’s alcohol, have a large glass of water in between drinks. This will help you space them out and stay hydrated. Also, if you’ve got particularly pushy friends, sipping drinks that look like alcoholic beverages usually does the trick. Try some soda water with a lime squeezed in it for a “vodka soda.” (Note: This works great at bars, too.)

• Bring a dish (especially desserts)! When you bring your own, you know exactly what went into it and how much you should/can consume.

Best option: host your own get-together! Having more control over the menu and your environment is the easiest way to stay on plan. And the great part about grilling is that you don’t even have to get fancy with it. Some simple seasonings, vegetables, and good cuts of lean meats, and you’re all set.

For our “Simply Grilling” dinner, we chose kebabs (loaded up with yummy veggies), grilled corn-on-the-cob and asparagus, and lean burgers. See below for inspiration!