GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.- While these get-togethers are always sure to be fun and entertaining, they sometimes aren’t so in line with healthy eating goals. However, there is a way to still enjoy barbecues guilt-free! Reed Mosimann from Life Time Fitness shows how to have a better barbecue by demonstrating some common ingredient swaps.
So what’s the first thing you can do to have a better barbeque?
· The first suggestion I tell my clients at Life Time is to bring your own healthy dish.
· The truth is, most of us don’t know what to bring or what will appeal to other guests. As healthy and popular a choice as veggie trays are, they’re not your only possibility.· Think of dishes that will keep you full, provide you with the best nutrients, and stay edible in the warm summer heat, such as cherry tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese on toothpick or chicken and vegetable kabobs.
o Look for protein, healthy fats, and fiber – All of these nutrients keep you full, stabilize your blood sugar, reduce cravings, and increase satiety.
Good to know! What are some swaps viewers can make to more traditional barbeque ingredients?
- There are tons of swaps you can easily make that taste just as good – but have much more nutritional value and keep you fuller, longer.
- Swaps include:
- One better barbeque choice is grilled organic beef, bison or turkey burgers instead of traditional hamburger.
- Many of our favorite meats to grill are actually heavily processed or preserved with nitrates, BHT, BHA or the notorious pink slime. It’s not that difficult to opt for less-processed options that are readily available.
- For vegetarians, black bean burgers are a great alternative with tons of XX.
What about for the bun?
- Remove the bun altogether!
- Bread products may raise our blood sugar as quickly and as much as eating two tablespoons of pure sugar, so try going bun-less by eating with a fork and knife.
- It’ll lower your carbohydrate intake to stabilize your energy and hunger levels
- Try a lettuce wrap instead.
- Use a lettuce-wrap approach and wrap your burger in iceberg or romaine lettuce, or chop up your burger and add it to a plate of hearty salad greens.
- If bun-less isn’t an option, opt for gluten-free or whole wheat bread.
What about condiments? How do they factor in?
- It’s best to avoid condiments packed with unsavory additives that enhance flavor, shelf life, texture or appearance
- Instead, try seasoning your meat with fresh or dried herbs and seasonings
- Dry rubs are great for chicken and ribs
- Fresh herbs and spices can pack a punch on your grass-fed burger patties
- You can also marinate your poultry or seafood with olive oil, citrus and herbs before searing them on the grill
- For toppings, try fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream or hearty mustard