Healthy Grilling Tips
If you haven’t already, it is time to fire up the grill! Grilling outdoors is an excellent way to spare your kitchen the mess; you can cook anything on the grill. And who doesn’t love the smell of the grill going?
- Use herbs in rubs or marinades. You’ve got to love the idea of infusing flavor into meats and vegetables by soaking them in a tasty marinade. When grilling, many use a dry rub on their meats to flavor them, which imparts excellent flavor in a pinch, but adding herbs to marinades and dry rubs really packs a punch. Some favorite marinade ingredients include wines, vinegar, lemon or lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices.
- Grill fruits for dessert. Fresh fruit season is in full swing! Flavors intensify as the natural sugars caramelize, and juicy fruits can get even juicier, giving them extra sweetness and flavor. Try sliced apple, pear, pineapple, halved bananas, figs, nectarines, peaches, watermelon, or plums. Bonus drizzle a yogurt drip over these delicious fruits.
- Include more vegetables. If you want to eat more vegetables, grilling them is the way to go. Vegetables are naturally high in fiber and low in calories, so they’re a good balance to a meat-heavy barbecue. Toss your vegetables in oil, olive, and garlic powder. When they are done, drizzle with fig balsamic glaze and serve with fresh mozzarella, make a wrap, or have it as a side dish. The possibilities are endless.
- Go Bunless Get rid of extra carbs at your barbecue by skipping the buns. If you’re making hamburgers, hot dogs, or sausages, it’s typical to use a bun, but try passing on it? You don’t have to compromise your taste for your nutrition goals, and you can do plenty of hacks that will not compromise the taste of the delicious burger. Try using a lettuce wrap, low carb warp, or go naked but don’t forget the topping. Add veggies like tomatoes, avocado, raw onions, bell pepper slices, or sautéed onions and mushrooms. Not only will you get rid of the carbs, but you’ll feel less bloated.
- Fish, Fish, Fish Did someone say fish? Grilled fish is one of the healthiest and tastiest foods you can make for yourself. All varieties of seafood, from hard-shelled clams and mussels to fillets of trout and salmon, can be grilled successfully. Fish is the perfect healthy option because it is a good source of high-quality protein, vitamin D, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Cook directly on the grill or through a piece of aluminum foil down, but no matter how you do it, make sure you add it to your menu!
