I've always been a big believer in the philosophy that "anything tastes better hot off the grill." From seafood to steak, there is something about barbecued food that's beyond delicious. So a few weeks ago I set a goal to become quite the grill-master by the Fourth of July (since naturally it's one of the biggest BBQ days of the year.)

Now for me, the upcoming holiday weekend doesn't include just one day of eating, but several. Between the fatty meat, ice cream, and Coronas, I tend to fall off my diet every Independence Day. So to prepare for this year's festivities, I decided to come up with a meal plan that would help me cut out calories and stay in bikini-body shape. Take a look nutritionistas! For only 400 calories you can have all of this!

Note: All recipes make 6 servings

Starter: Caprese Salad

Ingredients:
1 Large tomato
1 ½ Pieces of Ovoline (egg size) Fresh Mozzarella
6 Pieces of Fresh Basil
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
A dash of salt

Directions:
- Slice tomato and mozzarella into six even slices.
- Top tomato with mozzarella.
- Add basil leaves on top of cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over dish and sprinkle with salt.

Estimated calories per serving: 125

Side: Grilled Asparagus

Ingredients:
30 Small spears of Asparagus
1 Tablespoon of olive oil
A dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
- Heat grill to high heat.
- Coat asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill asparagus for 2 to 3 minutes each side.

Estimated calories per Serving: 27

Side: Grilled Veggie Medley

Ingredients:
1 Red Bell pepper
1 Green pepper
1 Zucchini
1 Squash
1 Onion
¼ Cup of balsamic vinegar

Directions:
- Cut vegetables up into smaller pieces.
- Marinate vegetables in balsamic vinegar for one hour in the refrigerator.
- Heat grill to high heat.
- Grill vegetables for around 6 to 7 minutes on each side.

Estimated calories per serving: 75

Entrée: Grilled Herb and Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:
6 Pieces of Perdue Perfect Portions Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Herb and Pepper
A dash of salt and pepper

Directions:
- Heat grill to medium heat.
- Grill chicken for about 8 to 12 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.
- Add salt and pepper.

Estimated calories per serving: 140

TOTAL CALORIES FOR MEAL: 367

Hopefully this menu will help you stop snacking by the time you get to your sparklers. For more great nutrition advice log on to iMag's Food Page. Happy Independence Day!