Checkered tablecloths, playful kids, bathing suit trucks and paper plates; all come to mind when we think of barbeque! Summer is a perfect occasion to grill with loved ones. Why not make it a healthier day when grilling?
- Marinate meat to reduce carcinogens- it protects the protein in the meat from the heat of the grill
- Clean your grill to keep bacteria from lingering
- Cook lean meats- lean meat means less fat to drip to flames which means less carcinogens to become smoke
- Beware of burnt- burnt food has less of the good nutrients in it that normal meat and more carcinogens
- Reduce bacteria in meat by flipping it constantly and cooking it to appropriate temperatures based on guidelines
- Cook smaller cut this will reduce cooking time which means it will be over the potentially harmful smoke for a shorter piece of time- not to mention it will help with portions!
- Go beyond meat! All foods such as vegetables, fruits and different carbohydrates can be cooked on the barbeque for a healthier, tasty meal.
- Preheat the grill for longer than you think- the heat will kill leftover bacteria so it won’t get on your new food
- Cut cross contamination- use different utensils as the meat becomes more well done to avoid getting raw germs on cooked food
- Cook fish more often. Fish has many benefits and is filled with heart healthy omega 3s. Same grill taste and experience, healthier option
- Choose chicken breast over dark meat- it has much less fat
- Choose a chicken or turkey burger for a leaner burger
- Cook with a rack, a wood plank or parchment paper- this will allow the fat to drip off of the food instead of lingering on it
- Choose to eat a skinless chicken drumstick marinated in herbs.
- Don’t forget to clean your grill with a stainless steal brush.