There are many delicious foods to be enjoyed when grilling barbeque meat, but there are several unhealthy things you should avoid when grilling. While many of the things you grill can easily be reduced in fat or sugar content, these foods are still high in calories and fat. Here are a few healthy choices that should be a part of your regular grill menu.
Barbeque (or barbecuing) is often thought of as an all-white affair: brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and ribs are often the only things you have available to grill. While this is true, these foods are filled with saturated fats, sodium, and calories. If you want to avoid these things, you may want to turn to brown rice, pasta, and grains instead. These foods are healthier and lower in fat and sugar.
Different Types Of Barbeque Meat
There are several different types of fish and shellfish you can grill. Grilled salmon, tuna, halibut, and mackerel are all healthier than barbeque beef. Grilled salmon, tuna, and halibut are also low in sodium and will help to reduce your overall salt intake.
Another important factor in reducing fat is reducing the amount of cheese, sour cream, and butter you eat while grilling. Brown rice, crackers, and crackers add more vitamins and minerals than white bread, and they are lower in calories. Your grilled meat should also be accompanied by a side of beans and a salad.
Barbeque sauce can add to the fat in your meat. Many people don’t realize that a popular barbeque sauce contains more sodium than some juices. Beans and rice, along with salad and fruits are the best choices for adding more protein to your diet while cooking and grilling your barbeque.
Healthy Barbeque Meat
Other healthy meats you can cook include chicken, turkey, lamb, and lamb tri-tip. While turkey and beef don’t have much fat, chicken does, so chicken, steak, and lamb are all considered “healthy” meats to grill. If you want to avoid the barbeque flavor and color of chicken and beef, you can purchase boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs.
For those who like their meat on the rare side, a specialty in the Mediterranean area is kebabs, which are called kebabs because of their shape. Kebabs are filled with sausages, cheeses, and herbs and spices, but they are filled with vegetables, grains, and legumes as well.
Tandoori is another good source of protein for the diet. These dishes use spices, seasonings, and curries to cook the meat, and it is usually served with rice and gravy. Tandoori food also has a healthier counterpart: roti, which is actually a flat pastry filled with a variety of different ingredients.
Some Alternative To Try
Barbeque rice is a vegetarian alternative to the regular kind. It is made from millet, which is a grain used in many Middle Eastern recipes. It can be prepared in many ways, but the usual ones involve preparing it with vegetables.
Seafood is also a healthier choice for the diet. Some seafood is less healthy than others. Those who do not eat a lot of seafood should look for a seafood substitute.
Grilled fish, including fish sticks, is one of the healthier meats you can serve. Fish and shellfish are also lower in calories than meats that are cooked with oil. Fish sticks can be either dipped in mustard or ground up and eaten plain.
Bottom Line
Grilling is an integral part of many grilling and barbeque traditions, but there are some healthy meats you should avoid when grilling. Learn about the various types of meats you can use in your grill. Find ways to reduce the fat and sugar content when making meals at home to enjoy healthy foods.
