Healthier Grilling

Here in the Pacific Northwest, grilling is not just for the sunny months. We are also good at putting on our rain gear and stoking up the grill.

Grilling out can be a delicious and fun way to cook your food, and it can also be a very healthy way to cook if you do it right. Using foods that are low in fat and high in nutrients is a great start to healthier meals. While most people think of hamburgers and hot dogs when it comes to grilling out, there are so many more (healthy) foods that can taste great on the grill.

Grill chicken or fish. Salmon and tuna are great choices. They tend to be thicker cuts, so it is easier to flip them over on the grill. If you are cooking chicken, use skinless chicken breasts to keep the fat intake down.

Marinate. Marinate your beef, chicken, or fish before grilling. It can add flavor to your food, while also keeping it tender and juicy. Using olive oil and lemon juice in your marinade can taste great.

Trim the fat. Try to use lean, well-trimmed meat. It's better for you, and also helps prevent fat from dripping into the flames, which can cause your meat to burn. Burned meat doesn't taste good, and can also be unhealthy.

Avoid heavy sauces. A factor of barbecuing season that can wreak havoc on those who are trying to lose weight, or keep it off, is the use of heavy sauces like barbecue sauce and condiments like mayonnaise. The use of light marinades can still give you a flavorful kick without all of the added fat.

Don't use buns. Using buns and breads with white flour for your hamburger or hot dog is not a healthy choice, especially if you are trying to lose weight. If you have to use buns for your meal, try using ones rich in whole grains. It's much better for you.

Grill fruits and vegetables. Grilling vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini can be great side dishes or even a main dish. Putting them on skewers is a good idea too. Fruits like pineapple, apples, pears, and peaches can taste excellent on the barbecue. Grilling helps bring out a fruit's sweetness as it brings its natural sugars to the surface, giving it a tasty glazed exterior. Grilled fruit can also be a fantastic dessert alternative.

Avoid calorie-laden side dishes. Instead of serving potato salad, coleslaw, or chips, try grilled vegetables instead. Grilling sweet potatoes and corn on the cob are solid choices as well. If you are going to go with chips, try healthier choices like baked chips or pita chips.

Grilling is already one of the healthiest ways to add flavor without the fat, but by following some of these simple steps, you can make barbecue season an even healthier one that is still just as delicious. Happy grilling!

Source: National Wellness Institute