BBQ for a Healthier You

BBQ for a Healthier You

With warm weather almost in sight, it’s time to embrace the BBQ. The latest CDC data shows that while over a third of adults are now obese, the group most significantly affected is those aged 40-59 years. If that’s you or a loved one, now is a great time to review your eating habits and try something new.  BBQ food is an excellent low-fat option for combining healthy ingredients with fantastic flavors and great company. You can also use a lot of the same ingredients you’d have in any way for a natural cleansing detox, so it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

Building your body

Grilling lean meat, poultry or seafood is a healthy way to get lots of protein in your diet.  Protein is essential as a building block for everything in your body from muscle repair to stronger hair and nails.  Red meats are also an excellent source of iron, which keeps your blood healthy and prevents weakness and fatigue caused by anemia.  Worried you don’t have fancy BBQ kit? You don’t need it. With some ingenuity, you can create delicious home smoked dishes on your gas grill with very little fuss.  Try juicy prawns with garlic and lemon on skewers, or chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and herbs.  You can even BBQ fruit! Try bananas wrapped in foil for an unusual and tasty dessert.

Enjoy the sides

One of the best things about BBQ food is the range of sides you can enjoy.  Colorful salads are a delicious way to enjoy a rainbow of produce as recommended in current dietary guidelines and you can add in a few interesting grains and pulses of fiber too.  Or, keep it simple with corn cobs, fluffy jacket potatoes, and freshly picked tomato and spinach salads. Got some spare avocado and lemon from your detox?  The whole family will love a fresh tasting guacamole.

Another reason BBQ food is a great choice for the diet-conscious is that it’s so sociable.  Moving around chatting to people while you enjoy your food may help you not to over-eat, compared with mindless snacking in front of the TV.  As the Washington Times puts it, there are also significant mental health benefits to eating together, so what are you waiting for?  Fire up the grill, lay out your spread of healthy delicious food and enjoy making wonderful memories with your loved ones.