When you're outside socializing and enjoying a barbecue, it's easy to knock back a couple of beers, and/or several glasses of wine, perhaps a cocktail or two... On top of all those alcohol calories, this often leads to a few more handfuls of chips than you intended, or an extra hot dog or two, and perhaps an extra helping of dessert. Try to drink only one or two glasses of wine or beer, spaced out with lots of water or diet soft drinks in between. This way you'll keep your resolve to avoid excess eating. Plus, you won’t consume so many calories from alcohol.

Be aware that salty foods, such as hot dogs, will create a continual thirst for several hours. Quench your thirst with water (add a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor) or diet soft drinks, not alcohol.

For more articles on alcohol, check out the 'Health' and 'Nutrition' info centers in the CalorieKing.com Recipes & Articles section. You can also consult the alcohol guide in the CalorieKing Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter.

Hot summer weather, flies, and insects can increase the risk of food poisoning. But with a few simple precautions you can look after the health of yourself and your family.

Here are some tips to help keep your food safe this summer:

• Transport food in a cooler or other type of ice chest
• Keep all foods in covered containers or cover with plastic wrap
• Don't leave food sitting in the sun – keep it in the fridge or cooler until you're ready to eat
• Don't let cooked foods sit around at room temperature - put them straight back into the fridge or cooler when you've finished eating
• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food
• Don't reuse plates, cutting boards or trays that have had raw meat on them