Memorial Day is right around the corner! I've compiled 20 of my go-to Memorial Day Barbecue tips in my latest article for Anton Newspapers/Long Island Weekly. Below is a short excerpt from the article. Be sure to check out my column Choosing Health, available every month in all Anton Newspapers and on Long Island Weekly website!
Encourage Smaller Portions
1. Be sensible about serving sizes. Instead of grilling extra large burgers, cook smaller burgers to promote portion control. For chicken kabobs, use smaller pieces of meat and alternate with vegetables. Cut sausages in half instead of grilling them whole.
Grilled Vegetables
2. Marinate vegetables for about an hour before putting them on the grill. When you cook them directly over medium heat and turn them frequently, they usually are done within 10 minutes. My favorite vegetables to grill include large portabello mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini and asparagus.
Choose The Leanest Cuts of Beef and Pork
3. Any cuts from the loin are considered lean. Try a pork tenderloin or beef sirloin for some lean red meat options.
Offer Vegetarian Options
4. Instead of overloading on red meat at the barbecue, offer some vegetarian-friendly options. Grill a few flavorful black bean burgers and vegetable kabobs.
Swap Mayo Out For Greek Yogurt
5. Greek yogurt is a light alternative to regular mayonnaise. When making potato salads or other dishes, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo or use half mayo/half Greek yogurt.
Limit Processed Meats
6. Hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and ham are examples of processed meats. The American Institute of Cancer Research has reported that processed meats are linked to increased colorectal cancer risk. Try to keep these items to a limit, and eat in moderation on Memorial Day.
Grilled Fruit For Dessert
7. Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in fresh fruit. Some of my favorite fruits to put on the grill are peaches, plums, and pineapple.
Up The Omega 3s
8. Fish can grill up beautifully and provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Try salmon, swordfish or tuna steaks for easy grilling. Add some walnuts to a large green salad for more of an omega-3 boost.
Offer A Large Veggie Crudité
9. Keep a large crudité with a variety of fresh vegetables out during the entire barbecue. Serve with natural hummus or homemade guacamole.
Get Outdoors
10. Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the weather. Plan a family hike or trip to the beach to enjoy....
Read the full article here:
Xoxo,
Stef