10 Healthy grilling tips to make your summer barbecues sizzle!
- 4 Minutes Read
Why not start a new trend to help everyone get a little healthier? Learn some healthy grilling techniques for yummy, health-conscious meals.
Whether it's summer grilling season or you find yourself bundling up and grilling any time of year, it's a great time to start a new healthy grilling trend. Why not help everyone get healthier by adding some healthy grilling techniques to your barbecuing routine? A typical response might be, "What's wrong with grilling hamburgers and hot dogs?" OK, if you want to indulge in these foods occasionally, go for it. But think about it. What happens when you cook a large amount with all those leftovers to consume the following week? Get my point? Or, do you grill foods as part of your everyday cooking? Why not mix in some healthier food choices and grilling techniques that work for your health. You can then enjoy the healthier leftovers for the rest of the week.
Did you know that eating a large amount of grilled and smoked fatty meats may increase cancer risk? Chemicals, such as HCA and PAH, which are known as carcinogens or cancer-causing agents, are formed when fatty meats come in contact with intense heat and flame. PAH compounds are the same compounds found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that "high consumption of well-done, fried, or barbecued meats is associated with an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer." Not sure about you, but I know so many people who have experienced these cancers. I am always interested in tips for lowering the risk of cancer for my loved ones and me!
Did you know that an estimated 18.2 million Americans at 20 years of age or older have coronary heart disease? Why not help lower these numbers by eating a heart-healthy diet, one of the American Heart Association's recommended seven approaches to stay heart healthy. You can take it to the grill by choosing leaner meats, increasing vegetables and herbs, and cooking with heart-smart fats.
The following ten tips emphasize healthier grilling to trim calories, lessen exposure to carcinogens, and lower your heart disease risk.
We often assume that those eating barbecued meals are looking for a rich and traditional experience. Trust me, I have worked with people from all walks of life and know many people who have reasons and a desire for healthy eating. Many people find it refreshing when healthier options are served from the grill!
Here are two super easy, salt-free, dry rubs that add flavor to chicken, fish, pork, or sprinkled on vegetables.
2 Tbsp dried rosemary
2 Tbsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp dried tarragon
1 Tbsp ground black pepper
Yield: 6 Tbsp
1 Tbsp dried thyme
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp dried, crushed rosemary
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp black pepper
Yield: 4 Tbsp
To make these two spice blends, just measure out herbs and shake together in a sealed container. You can use about 2 teaspoons of the mixture per pound on uncooked chicken, meat, or tofu. Or you can sprinkle either blend on vegetables after brushing them with olive oil.
For maximum flavor, rub the seasoning mix on the uncooked poultry, meat, fish, or tofu, then place in a resealable plastic bag or covered container and refrigerate for about 2 hours before grilling. I love to store unused herb mix in a tightly covered container, away from heat, for future use.
These recipes have been shared with all MyNetDiary users under the user name "Dietitian" in MyNetDiary. Here is a link to learn more about the "recipe share" feature along with other tips for entering, editing, and sharing recipes in MyNetDiary.
Also, did you know that if you have MyNetDiary Premium membership, you can now send a Premium recipe to another user, even if they do not have Premium membership? Simply scroll down to the bottom of the screen when in a recipe and hit the "share" button. You can also "copy & customize" and "print" a Premium recipe. There are plenty of amazing Mediterranean recipes in the MyNetDiary Premium recipe collection! Check it out!
Still new to MyNetDiary? Learn more today by downloading the app for FREE.
Updated June 16, 2020
Foods & Recipes->Red Meat Holidays / Parties->July 4th / Independence Day