Ready to change up your nightly dinner routine for something more fun?
Grilling your food is a delicious way to cook outdoors. When done correctly, grilling can be a healthy and delicious way to cook your favorite foods.
Here are a few healthy grilling tips to help your finish summer strong:
Use herbs
When it comes to healthy grilling, fresh herbs are your friend. Not only do they add flavor to your food, but they can also help to boost the nutritional value of your meal. Some options to try:
Rosemary- this is my favorite. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect your cells from damage. Add it to chicken and it really creates some great flavor.
Thyme is a good source of Vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity. This is great on fish, combined with some lemon.
Basil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation. Great on grilled veggies and chicken.
Get creative with other spices from your spice rack. Or take your favorite recipe from the oven but try it on the grill!
Prioritize fruits and veggies
Next time you fire up the grill, try putting veggies and fruits front and center. Not only are they healthier options, but they're also just as delicious when cooked over an open flame. For example, grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meal. Put all your favorite veggies on a kabob and grill it up! Even fruit kabobs are a fun and easy way to enjoy summer fruits like cherries, peaches, and watermelon. If you haven’t tried grilling a peach, it’s delicious!
Make your own healthier sauces
Store-bought barbecue sauces and condiments can be loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. So why not make your own? It's easier than you think, and you can control the ingredients to ensure they fit into your healthy lifestyle. Here’s a link to my homemade condiment recipe guide.
Smart Side-Items
Watch the side items. Typical barbeque side items such as potato salad, macaroni salad, and baked beans still have a place on your plate if you enjoy them. But when you prioritize your plate by filling it with mostly healthy options, you'll create healthy habits that stick while still enjoying all the delicious foods you love. Focus on grilled fruits and vegetables as side dish options. These are not only healthy and delicious options, but they also contain important vitamins and minerals that can help you stay well.
Avoid processed meats
Hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers are your usual barbeque go-to options. For healthier options, you can choose portobello burgers, bean burgers, veggie burgers, or high-quality chicken or turkey burgers.
Grilling out is a summer tradition, but it doesn't have to mean you can't eat nutritional foods that fuel you. Plenty of healthy options can fit into your grilled meal, including lean protein, veggie burgers, fruits and vegetables, and delicious side items to help you stay on track with your health goals while still enjoying your favorite grilled foods.
Ready to get creative on the grill tonight? I have a few more ideas and tips for you. Check out the links below for more information. And if you want my Sizzling Grilled Meals recipes, sign up to my Nutrition library for free! You’ll also find some homemade condiment recipes in there too.
Happy Grilling!
For even more healthy ideas and recipes - sign up to my Nutrition and Wellness Library to help you get started. Inside the Nutrition and Wellness library- you'll find my Sizzling Grilled Meals guide, and a Condiment Recipe guide and much more!
