5 Healthy Grilling Tips You Gotta Try This Season!

July 23, 2020

Summer is here! That means it is time to break out the grill. According to Statista, each year Americans spend billions of dollars on grills and barbecues. The most popular kind of food to grill is meat, and about 89 percent of U.S. grill owners will choose beef. What they might not know is that grilling can be used to promote a healthier lifestyle. There are ways you can use your grill to create nutritious and healthy meals for you and your family. You can do this by choosing leaner proteins like chicken instead of beef and by making a few modifications to how you grill. Here are some other healthy grilling tips to check out:

1. Pile on the veggies

Vegetables are some of the best things you can grill. There are so many of them, and they provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients your body needs to thrive. Popular veggies to grill include onions, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and more! Go light on the salt and try to add other seasonings to the mix. Vegetable skewers are great for grilling and they are easy to make. Choose a variety of your favorite vegetables and add them to a skewer. Now you’re ready to grill!

2. Choose lean proteins

Although beef is the most popular meat for grilling, it isn’t the healthiest option out there. Instead, you should choose lean proteins that promote heart health like fish and chicken. Grilled fish can give your body the omega-3’s you need to fight off disease. Salmon is packed with omega-3’s and it is delicious when grilled. When you’re shopping at the grocery store for ingredients, be sure to pick up some fish and chicken for grilling.

3. Create light and healthy marinades

When creating marinades for grilling, you have to be careful! Some marinade recipes are full of salt and saturated fat. Look for marinades with olive oil, lemon, and garlic. These ingredients are light and they taste amazing in a marinade. You can also make your own marinade by using olive oil and low or no salt seasonings.

4. Ditch the soft drinks

Sodas are packed with lots of sugar and calories. They are one of the most popular beverages for people that are grilling. However, there are healthier alternatives. Ditch the soft drinks and choose something with less sugar. Sparkling water is a great option because it has 0 calories, 0 sugar, and it still gives you a carbonated drink. You can also use low or no sugar electrolyte drinks to help keep you hydrated while outdoors.

5. Use the grill for dessert

Who said the grill was only for savory foods? Let’s add some sweetness to the mix! Grilling fruits for dessert is a great way to get your sweet fix while also choosing a healthier option. Try adding strawberries to a skewer drizzled lightly with honey or throw some peaches on the grill. Say no to the pies with tons of calories. Eating fresh fruit will make your body feel better.

Grill safety tips

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house
• Clean your grill often
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by
• Never leave your grill unattended

Show off these new grilling tips to your family, and enjoy a healthy summer season!