Authentic Southern barbecue may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of dieting, but thanks to the recent debut of its Healthy Choices menu at Woody’s Bar-B-Q locations throughout the U.S., the concept of a diet may have just gotten a whole lot easier to swallow. Consisting of everything from starters that weigh in at 300 calories or less to entrées that cap out at a sensible 800 calories, the Healthy Choices menu is sure to be met with rave reviews from barbecue fans who have weight loss at the top of their New Year’s resolutions.

“Slow-smoked meats and fresh vegetables have always been at the heart of the Woody’s Bar-B-Q concept,” says Yolanda Mills-Mawman, cofounder of Woody’s Bar-B-Q. “With the rise in popularity of so many low-carb and low-calorie diets, our Healthy Choices menu proves an excellent fit. While not everything on our menu is fair game for those seeking to eat healthier, there are plenty of menu items that align with a well-balanced diet. Our tried and true fans who wish to pursue a more wholesome diet during their visit to Woody’s Bar-B-Q may have to forego our Chili Cheese Fries and desserts, and opt instead for choices such as our Carolina Pulled Pork and Brunswick Stew.”

Woody’s new Healthy Choices Menu includes starters like Corn Nuggets, Okra, and Brunswick Stew; salads such as the 3-Meat Salad, Mesquite Grilled Chicken Breast, Chicken Tenders Salad, and Southwest Salad; Bar-B-Q Pork or Turkey; Carolina Pulled Pork; Boat Rockin’ Shrimp; Signature Baby Back Ribs & Shrimp; and sides like Green Beans, Okra and Tomatoes, Collards, Turnip Greens, and Steamed Squash.

Woody’s signature dressings and sauces are also included in the Healthy Choices Menu. For example, a two-ounce serving of Woody’s Blue Cheese or Chipotle Ranch weigh in at about 150 calories or less, while a two-ounce serving of Woody’s Tangy Mustard, Smokin’ Hot, Carolina, and Southern Sweet Sauces are a reasonable 75 calories or less.

“Our tagline at Woody’s Bar-B-Q is: The Secret’s In The Tastin’,” Mills-Mawman says. “We don’t believe you have to sacrifice flavor in order to pursue a healthier lifestyle. You simply have to make good choices. We hope our new Healthier Choices Menu helps our patrons do just that.”