5 Tips for Healthy Grilling
Here are some tips for healthy grilling this summer: 1) Use a meat thermometer. A thermometer is essential when grilling, or cooking in general. It will ensure that you avoid under or over cooking your meat. Under cooked meat can be dangerous to consume, and over cooked meat may have to be tossed. 2) Marinate meats for at least thirty minutes. Marinating before grilling helps to prevent the carcinogenic compounds known as heterocyclic amines from forming on charred pieces of meat. Including acidic ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice or orange juice is especially effective. 3) Vegetarian meals are great on the grill. Consider preparing veggie burgers, nachos, or even pizza on the grill. Pizza? Yes, pizza! Assemble your favorite vegetables, tomato sauce and cheese…then grill to perfection. 4) Don’t forget dessert. Many people may not think about it, but you can grill fruit too. Grill peaches, nectarines, slices of pineapples or wrap apples in foil with butter. Fruits will taste sweeter prepared this way, so enjoy just like that—or with ice cream or Greek yogurt. 5) Keep It Clean. Discard any unused marinade and always use clean plates and utensils for cooked food to avoid contact with raw meat remnants that could cause illness. Make sure your food and guests stay safe!