5 ways to lighten your luau

You can see it now: Kalua pork, lomilomi salmon, poke, mac salad, white rice, spam musubi, poi, pipikaula and a big slice of chocolate haupia pie. Family get-togethers and local-style luaus always have ono grinds. But these tasty eats come with a price tag for your health—they’re often full of fat, calories and sodium, which can take a toll on both your waistline and overall wellness.

Thankfully there are ways to lighten luau favorites. We spoke with nutritionists Monica Esquivel, PhD, RDN, Dietetics Program Director at UH Manoa in Honolulu, and Tandis Bishop, RDN, LD, CDE, at ‘Ekahi Health Lifestyle Medicine in Honolulu, for ideas on how to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.