8 Secrets to Healthy Summer BBQs

Summer is here! The sun is shining, the days are long and chances are you’ll spend at least a few nights firing up the grill with friends and family. We have eight tips to making your summer barbeques healthier and more nutritious!

1. Grill vegetables: Vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, asparagus and peppers are all delicious when cooked on the grill! Slice the vegetables, lightly brush them with olive oil and quickly throw them on the grill until they are tender.
2. Skewers: Skewer up different proteins and vegetables. You can use a variety of proteins such as chicken, shrimp or beef. For vegetables, try onions, peppers and zucchini! You can also try adding pineapple for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Limit sugary drinks: Soda, lemonade, sports drinks and juice drinks all have added sugar in them. Try to drink water the majority of the time and limit the amount of sugary drinks you consume. For more flavor, add frozen fruit to your water or try flavored seltzer water!
4. Use leaner cuts of beef: Any cuts of meat with the words “round” or “loin” tend to be the leanest, meaning that they are lower in total fat and saturated fat.
5. Use whole-wheat buns: Whole-wheat buns will have more fiber and nutrients than white processed buns and will keep you feeling fuller for longer!
6. Try turkey burgers: Turkey burgers or chicken burgers tend to have less fat than their beef counterparts while still being big on flavor. Try this recipe for Hawaiian turkey sliders with mango pineapple salsa!
7. Lighten up mayo-based dishes: Potato salad and coleslaw are barbeque staples, but the mayo-based dressing has a lot of extra fat and calories. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or try this recipe!
8. Healthier desserts: Try blending frozen bananas to make “ice cream” instead of the full-fat version, or try this recipe for a one-ingredient homemade sorbet!