You could always not go to the cookout *rim shot*. Seriously, though, make a quick sweep of all the foods being offered and then go back through the line. Look for corn on the cob (or any unaltered veggies) or fruit and go for those items. As for meat, try and see if they have grilled chicken (it's delicious) and split it with a friend if you are given a particularly large piece.
Pretty good suggestions and that's my plan for the weekend. Lots of grad parties this weekend and I can pretty much predict what I can find at any given party for my locale.
Lean meat (chicken is pretty popular around here), & a veggie/fruit tray is a given. I'll be avoiding baked beans (too much sugar for me), coleslaw, potato salad, and other standard fare. I'm bringing my own diet coke and a big bottle of water. I'm good to go. Gonna take a pass on the cake, they're pretty but once you've had one Sam's/Costco cake you really know you're not missing anything
I'm going to take the attitude that I'm there to congratulate the graduate, not eat.
Surviving a cookout
Dhani 
