With summer in full swing, barbeque season has arrived! The good news is that you can enjoy your barbeque AND stay healthy while keeping the following tips from the American Heart Association in mind.
Pick the right protein: Fish, skinless chicken breasts, and lean ground poultry are all great, healthy choices.
Size your portions: Aim for a portion size of 3-6 oz, which is about the size of a deck of cards.
Use marinades and spice rubs: These add delicious flavor and give you the advantage of using less salt. You can create your own spice rub by mixing together your favorite spice (allspice, cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary) and black pepper and then using 1 Tablespoon per pound of food.
Trim fat: cut fat and skin off your chicken or meat before grilling. While cooking, let the fat drip away from the food.
Choose healthy sides: cut up colorful vegetables to grill alongside your main for a delicious side dish. Cut them up small or add them to kebabs for a beautiful and healthy meal! Some vegetables you may enjoy are avocado, asparagus, bell peppers, corn, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, squash, and zucchini.
Use whole grain buns: Add healthy carbs and extra fiber to your meal by swapping out white bread with whole grain buns and bread. For an even healthier and lighter option, consider using whole grain wraps instead.
Grill fruits for dessert: Grilling fruits bring out the extra sweetness and provide you with a satisfying and healthy dessert. Slice apples, pears, or pineapples or halve peaches, nectarines, plums, bananas, or figs and enjoy the sweet taste!
Go to https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/add-color/top-ten-tips-for-healthy-grilling-and-barbecuing to find out more about healthy grilling and for delicious recipes as well.