Your Guiltless Grilling Guide
Try these tips and tricks for a cookout that's delicious and healthy.
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Use well-trimmed, lean cuts of meat, such as flank steak or sirloin steak. Heart-healthy olive oil protects leaner foods from drying out during high-heat cooking by helping to hold in natural moisture and reduce the loss of moisture during cooking.
For lower-fat burgers, blot grease from patties with paper towels before grilling. Cut more fat and calories by switching to ground turkey or pork.
Top fresh veggies with lean grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a delicious and healthy supper. But skip calorie-packed dressings such as creamy ranch and Italian. Instead, make your own light vinaigrette.
Cut carbs and calories by sandwiching your burger between slices of lettuce instead of bread. Can't live without the bread? Try whole-wheat flatbread instead of white buns.
Good-for-you add-ons like peppers, grilled onions, and fresh tomatoes give flavor without all the fat.
Dips, a barbecue favorite, can be loaded with calories and fat if they're made from a sour cream base. Make yours with fat-free sour cream instead.
Use good fats like olive oils combined with vinegar and herbs to spice up your meal. They are a healthful alternative to butter or cream-based marinades and just as tasty.
Many barbecue sauces are loaded with calories and sugar. So make your own lighter version. Our Spicy Peanut Satay Sauce is great on chicken and beef.
Choosing healthy sides is an easy way to lighten up your meal. Trade heavy potatoes and breads for crowd-pleasing recipes that incorporate fresh summer veggies.
Going lighter doesn't mean you have to give up favorites like deviled eggs and potato salad. Make both with fat-free mayonnaise instead of regular.
Serve grilled fish like salmon and tuna to take advantage of good-for-you lean protein.
Be mindful of the calories you're drinking. Enjoy that burger and beer but cut calories by sipping light instead of regular. Instead of calorie-packed cocktails, try wine or homemade sangria.
Cut fruit such as apples, pears, and peaches into large chunks and place them on skewers or wrap them in foil for grilling. Sprinkle on nutmeg and cinnamon for flavor.
