Grilling food is actually better for you than one would think. The type of grill you have is not important so much, as it is the grilling process that helps make the grilled food healthier. Here are some ways to make your next grilling adventure a healthy one for you, and your family.
1. Start with your cuts of meat. Cut off the excess fat when working with chicken. If you aren’t the type who likes to mess with chicken parts, buy them already skinned and boneless. With steaks, cut away the outer fat but don’t worry about the marbled effect within the meat. Do the same for pork. A butcher can guide you to the right cuts of meat for grilling if you ask them.
2. Steam your vegetables on the grill. You are cooking the meat on there, why not the rest of the meal? Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray and then wrap your sliced vegetables in it. The heat from the grill will create convection current inside the foil. Make sure that you tent the foil so that the air can move among the vegetables.
3. Fish is a healthy alternative to other meats. Fattier fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is tasty and tender when cooked on the grill. Fillets of fish crumble up easy so put them in foil just like the vegetables to keep them together during grilling. Fish steaks are better for direct grill cooking than fillets. They are thick but will cook quicker than other meats so don’t turn your back on them.
4. Spice it up! Instead of using salt on grilled foods, experiment with other seasonings. The process sears the outside and the seasonings that you have applied. Combined with the succulent juices that will be released once the meat is cut, these seasonings will add flavor to your meal.
5. Grilled fruit is a healthy dessert option. Pineapple, apples, or bananas are all made even sweeter as their natural sugars are brought out when warmed on the grill. Top with vanilla yogurt or icecream for a sweet, creamy yet healthy treat.
To grill healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or your favorite meats. The fat that is in the meat will all drip away as it cooks leaving you with a tender and heart-friendly main course. Your veggies steamed right on the grill will be a healthy addition, with grilled fruit to cap it off
