SmartHomeOwners

As the warm season approaches, it's time to dust off the old barbecue and enjoy those favorite grilled delights.  After all, BBQs were made for spring and summer, right?  You might be planning to host a gathering or simply want to barbecue meals for your family.  Either way, grilled foods can provide a delicious, healthy meal if you follow these simple guidelines.

Healthy BBQ - Watch the Marinade

Although your steak, chicken, pork or fish might be healthy in and of itself, the marinade you use can either make it healthier or pack in the calories.  Instead of grabbing the first bottle of marinade on the shelf, read the ingredients.  Shop for marinade that is low in sugar and carbohydrates.  Many are also very high in sodium.  In comparing various brands and flavors, you'll be surprised at the differences.  You can also create your own barbecue marinades with healthy ingredients.  Some great bold ingredients that are low in calories include tomato paste, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and molasses. 

*Tip:  Marinade meat in a sealed plastic bag (refrigerated until cooking time) for best flavor.

Veggies on the Grill

Healthy vegetables taste delightful when grilled.  Consider marinating your vegetables before grilling or simply brush with a little canola oil or olive oil.  Be sure to cut your vegetables in small pieces for grilling so they will cook through evenly.  You can choose almost any vegetable for grilling - broccoli, onion, peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini - you name it.  Throw on a few half-potatoes drizzled with healthy butter (or alternative) for a filler, and you've got a delicious, hearty meal.

Lean Meat and Smaller Portions

When buying your meats, be sure to buy the leanest cut of pork or beef. Trim away visible fat before grilling.  You'll reduce calories and saturated fat in doing so.  Cut the meat in smaller portions before or after grilling to encourage eating less.  Consider making kabobs with your grilled meat and veggies in bite size pieces.  Both kids and adults love eating kabobs - these are fun and easy to handle for outdoor gatherings.

Avoid Processed Meats

Opt for healthy cuts of fresh meat and avoid processed meats.  Those burger patties already made and sealed in a box might be affordable...but can be quite costly in terms of your health.  Also limit processed sausages and wieners.  These can be tasty on a grill, but are usually very high in sodium and calories.

Fruit for Dessert

Sum up your healthy BBQ with fruit as an alternative dessert to cakes and other sweet dishes.  Watermelon and cantaloupe make fantastic refreshing desserts on those hot summer days.  You can also set out fruit bowls with bananas, grapes, oranges, etc. so guests can pick and choose their fruit.

Use these ideas to enjoy a healthy BBQ with family and friends!