5 tips to make upcoming summer cookouts healthier for Ohio families
Summer is the perfect time to break out the grill and have a cookout with friends and family.
July is National Grilling Month, and there are some tips to keep in mind to make your next cookout a little healthier.
“Instead of burgers, hot dogs or sausages – you can prepare a healthier alternative like a salmon or chicken burger instead,” said Alexis Supan, registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic. “You can also prepare chicken in a low-sodium marinade and put it on a skewer with a bunch of vegetables. Doing skewers with shrimp would be another great option.”
When grilling, Supan stressed it’s best to avoid charring any food you make as that can potentially expose you to carcinogens.
Along with preparing a lean protein for your main dish, a salad is always a good go-to side, and a veggie tray can be a healthy alternative to chips.
When it’s time to eat, Supan said a good rule of thumb is to fill up half your plate with fruits and veggies.
If you aren’t sure fresh produce will be available, you can always be the person to bring it to your next cookout.
Supan added it’s never a good idea to skip meals before a get-together where there’ll be a lot of food.
“Never go to a cookout hungry. A lot of people tend to not eat if they know they’re going to eat a lot later. But it’s usually better for us to eat ahead of time so we’re not starving and overeat immediately,” Supan said.
When your cookout is over, Supan said it’s best avoid using a wire brush to clean your grill. That’s because wire bristles can break off and possibly end up in your food the next time you grill.