Healthy Bbq Food

By Author: Gardene Co
Total Articles: 2
Comment this article

Most peoples New Year’s resolutions focus on getting fit, losing weight and feeling good and 2013 is proving to be no different. Maybe surprisingly a gas BBQ can be a really good ally in cooking up healthy, low fat meals for you and your family. It’s a little cool at the moment here in the U.K for al fresco dining but it will soon be spring. If you don’t want to wait that long, join the growing crowd of people who love to BBQ all year round. Invest in a patio heater and wrap up warm and you can BBQ healthy meals any time of the year.

Sometimes when people think about what to cook on a BBQ all they think about is greasy burgers and fat filled sausages stuffed into processed white bread. This doesn’t have to be the way at all and with a bit of thought and imagination your gas BBQ can easily cook up a range of low fat, extra tasty dishes. Healthy BBQ food is a real possibility!
You can quickly and easily make your own healthier burgers by using lean ground beef, lean pork mince, venison, ostrich or even fish. Simply season the raw meat or fish and form into burgers and ...
... grill on your gas BBQ until cooked. Choose wholemeal rolls and make sure you have a range of healthy low fat sauces and plenty of lettuce, tomatoes and red onions for your guests to add as healthy toppings.

Get your guests involved in the preparation of healthy BBQ food by setting up a kebab station. This gives your guests the chance to make their own favourite combo’s and saves you work at the same time. Set up a designated area and provide everything they need to skewer their own kebabs. Keep these delicious BBQ favourites low in fat by providing a selection of healthy proteins like prawns and diced chicken along with a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables to add to their skewers. Chop red and yellow peppers, onions, tomatoes, pineapple and butternut squash. Remember if you are using wooden skewers to thoroughly soak them in water for at least an hour to stop them burning once they are on the BBQ.

Hot dogs may be traditional BBQ food but if you want to eat healthy BBQ food you may want to think again. It might be an idea to skip the fat laden sausages and hot dogs all together, but don’t feel deprived, opt for chicken or turkey hot dogs, which are lower in saturated fat and the kids will still love them.
Having a beer at a BBQ seems like second nature but alcohol is high in empty calories and has no nutritional value. Have a range of soft drinks and water available so your guests have a choice and can have a variety of drinks. If it is a cool day everyone might appreciate hot chocolate with marshmallows or chai tea, which make great alternatives and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Remember for healthy BBQ food you need healthy side dishes. Substitute processed food for items made from whole grains whenever possible. Look for wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, and other items. Whole grains contribute more nutritional value and make you feel fuller, faster and for longer.