Healthy Eating: Tips for How to Cookout a Healthier Way

Summer is the time of year when we do a lot of entertaining. Family and friends come over to hang out on our back porch, listen to some music and of course, eat. It’s also the time of year when it makes the most sense to break out the grill.

For the record, there are some benefits that come just from using a grill. Since you’ll be using it rather than a stove, it helps to keep the temperature in your house down (which keeps your electricity bill down too). It also reduces the amount of air pollution that goes into your house.

Still, there are some things that you can do to make cooking out so much healthier for you and your guests. Things that will remove some of the calories without compromising the flavor.

1. Use lean meats

Meat provides you with protein, but the fat that’s on it? That only adds weight to your tummy and puts stress on your heart. When you’re shopping for meats, look for ones that are grass-fed and lean. Then once you get home, trim the excess fat that you see. It seems like a small thing, but three cookouts in, you---and your health---will be glad that you did it.

2. Offer "bun options"

Cookouts come with a lot of bread. Usually, it’s white. The problem with white bread is it doesn’t have a lot of nutrients and once it’s processed in your system, it turns into sugar. It’s best to go with whole grain buns or even serve up alternatives like lettuce wraps, if you really are counting calories.

3. Serve grilled veggies

We’re not saying you can’t have French fries. We’re saying that it shouldn’t be the only thing on the menu. Also have some grilled veggies available so that people will receive some vitamins and minerals too. If you’re not a big vegetable fan, there are all sorts of recipes online that will show you how to prepare them in a way that are packed with flavor without compromising their nutritional value. 

4. Get creative with fruit

Fruits that are in season are not only delicious, but you’re able to get them at their most potent. Ones that top the summer fruit list include strawberries, peaches, blackberries and pineapple. Instead of having a table with nothing but desserts on them, offer some fruit kebabs or fruit with dark chocolate dip instead. Fruit is light, keeps you hydrated and is still super sweet.

5. Serve low-calorie drinks

Try and avoid going the typical soda route. Soda is loaded with sugar and doesn’t quench your thirst. Serve up some low-calorie drinks instead like homemade lemonade or limeade with honey or mineral water with juice in it. Never made homemade lemonade before? No problem. A delightful recipe is right here.

6. Limit the condiments

Condiments also have a ton of sugar and sodium in them. We know that a cookout wouldn’t be much fun without  some side sauces. Just consider some healthier alternatives like fresh salsa, homemade ketchup and mustard and pesto. Ketchup is not that hard to make. Click here for a recipe. And pesto? It goes well on lots of foods! Click here to learn how to make it. Good eats!