Healthier Grilling Options to Consider
By Brandi Goodman
Summer is the time for grilling in many households. Whether you grill at home using your own system or utilize the charcoal grills provided in parks, it's important that you consider the healthiest options. Making up hot dogs may be fast and easy, but it's not the healthiest meal choice there is. Try some healthier grilling options for a summer filled with tasty and nutritious food.
Use Grilled Pineapple Buns for Burgers
Rather than placing a slice of pineapple on your burger with a bun, grill up two slices instead. Replace those slices for your breaded exterior and you'll significantly cut down on carbs and calories. You'll get to experience a juicy burger that is healthy and delicious.
Make Steaks Out of Cabbage
Steaks normally represent a hunk of beef. They're great on the grill. Cutting down on red meat is in many people's orders from the doctor, however. It's known to raise cholesterol and blood pressure and isn't too heart-healthy if consumed in excess. You can use cabbage to make some veggie "steaks" instead for a heart-healthy alternative. You can flavor them up with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and even add some crumbled bacon and ranch on top for a truly unique flavor.
Use Foil to Pack Meat and Veggies
A foil pack is a great solution for grilling meat and veggies together. You can consume it right from after it's finished cooking and cooled down -- no need for a bun. Philly cheese steak foil packs are one possibility. Thin strips of steak, green peppers, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil are all you need at first. Let them cook to perfection and then add in some provolone to finish the last couple minutes of grilling.
Grill Your Fruit
Fruit is typically consumed as is. Watermelon, strawberries, and grapes are popular summertime options. You don't need to eat them cold, though. You can grill your fruit for a unique flavor alternative. Eat them hot or let them cool down so you can still get your same cool fruit just with a different taste.
Plenty of healthy grilling options exist. It's just a matter of choosing the right foods and putting careful consideration into the sauces and ingredients you're using. Grilling is a better alternative to cooking than frying foods, so you're already on a better path for your well-being. It's just time to take it a step further in true consideration of your wellness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anderson, S.C.