Tips for Healthy Summer Grilling and a Dry Rub Recipe

Summer Time Family Barbecue!

By Sonja Kabell

Summer is the time for fun in the sun, relaxing by the pool and family gatherings.  You can enjoy your summer grilling and still enjoy slimming and healthy foods.

Here is the healthy twist on the family barbecue.  When selecting meat, choose healthy options like lean beef or pork, chicken and turkey. Buy lean cuts – loin, round or leg cuts.  For chicken and turkey, remove the skin before grilling to avoid temptation.  If eating ground meat, like your classic hamburger or turkey burger, go for lean choices 93% or 96% fat free.

Fish is great for summer grilling – salmon, tilapia, tuna, all full of healthy omega vitamins, low in calories and in fat.  Cut out or minimize using oil to keep all your good intention in tack.  Using a cooking spray that has 5 calories or less will work just as well as oil.  A shrimp kabob loaded with vegetables like baby potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and onions.

A few key ideas to keep it healthy – remember no fat or skin.  Avoid sausages, hot dogs, chicken wings and meat marbled with fat like brisket…think lean.  If your kids have to have a “dog” chose turkey dogs or the lower fat options for a healthier meal.

What about the sauce? Dry season are also a better option versus high sugared sauces.

The great thing is just by making a few changes to the family barbecue; you can still uphold your pledge to be healthy and still have fun with the family!

If you want to add a recipe, here is a good one:

Texas Dry Rub

Courtesy of the Weber’s Big Book of Grilling

2 T. paprika
2 T. light brown sugar
1 T. chili powder
1 T. kosher Salt
1 T. cracked black pepper
2 t. granulated garlic
2 t. granulated onion
1 t. ground cumin

In a small bowl combine ingredients. Press the rub into both sides of the meat and refrigerate for 1 hour prior to grilling to intensify flavor.

Sonja Kabell, Founding Consultant, Slimming World Plano, www.slimmingworldusa.com

 

Image Credit

Share

2 Comments

  1. Those are great tips for healthier grilling. Another good one is to not burn your food. The more charred the meat the more cancer causing carcinogens it contains.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *