As the temperature heats up, millions of Americans are looking at their backyard as the perfect oasis to chill out or host friends and family for parties and casual get-togethers. What better way to entertain than to fire up the grill. The average barbeque meal has 1,300 to 1,800 calories, according to www.Hungrygirl.com. Who says a barbeque needs to be hamburgers, hot dogs, steak and bratwurst? There are many great options to create great-tasting, healthy, nutrient-dense grilled food that will save you excess calories and keep you satisfied.
Today it’s easy to substitute foods typically high in fat and calories and low in fiber with healthier options. Here are some ideas to help you have a fun and tasty barbeque season by eating healthy.
- Replace traditional buns with whole wheat buns.
- Lighten the salads. Coleslaw and potato salad are synonymous with barbeques. Just because you are eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to forgo them. Go online to find a lighter version.
- Replace full-fat mayonnaise with a low-fat or fat-free version.
- Grilled fresh vegetables are great. Try corn, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, Portobello mushrooms, onions and peppers. Any vegetable is good for the barbeque.
- Opt for lean meats, fish and veggie burgers.
- Get creative with kebabs: skewer shrimp and pineapple chunks; swordfish and mango; beef, butternut squash and mild peppers; pork with ginger and honey; jerk chicken; Greek chicken and potato.
- Maximize flavor with homemade marinades, balsamic vinegar and rubs.
- For dessert, grill a healthy variety of fruit, including pineapple, banana, plums, apricots, mango, cantaloupe, oranges, blueberries, strawberries, nectarines, peaches. Make kebabs or find healthy grilled food recipes online, such as mango sorbet with grilled fruit, grilled fruit with honey and ricotta, balsamic glazed grilled plums with vanilla ice cream and grilled banana and apricot kebabs.
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