Summertime Outdoor Grilling for Health
When summer comes, it's one of the best times of year to eat healthfully. Not only are there delicious and refreshing fruits and vegetables to round out your meals, but grilling offers a wonderful way to prepare meat without adding fat.
For those watching their cholesterol, red meat may not be the best option; people who have a history of heart disease or high cholesterol would be better off choosing white meats such as chicken, turkey, or pork. However, ground versions of these meats can easily be used as substitutes for hamburgers. Missing your traditional steak? Replace it with a lovely tuna steak or filet of salmon. While fish certainly won't have the same flavor as beef, it can be very filling and especially delicious paired with some summer citrus.
One of the biggest advantages of outdoor cooking is the fat free preparation possible on a grill. Instead of marinating your meats with an oil-based dressing, try using an acid like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. You could also try Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, which are low in calories, but be careful not to use too much of these - they can be high in salt. Look for low-sodium brands if they are available at your supermarket.
Because the grill imparts a smoky flavor on its own, you could save time and calories by skipping the marinade altogether. Use a blend of dry spices and rub these into the meat/fish. If you don't add a liquid, the spice will stay on the meat and a marinade isn't necessary. In the summer heat, you're less likely to want a sauce on your meat anyway - there's nothing better than some dry-grilled meats/fish and a fresh garden salad.
Did these tips make you fall in love with outdoor grilling just as the summer is ending? Remember, if you pick up a grill pan, you can always move your cooking operation indoors and enjoy fresh grilled meats all year round.