M.I.S.S. Healthy Bites: Get Your Grill On
Now that we’ve equipped you with the M.I.S.S. Summer BBQ Playlist, you’ve got to come correct. If you’re lucky enough to have a 3 day weekend, try to spend today on the healthy tip….in front of the BBQ. While hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and soda usually define the typical barbeque cuisine, don’t limit yourself to quick and easy unhealthy choices. With a little determination, you can get your grill on with fresh vegetables and perfectly marinated meat. Just don’t be scared to handle the flame!
For the carnivores, the key to a delicious BBQ is to get your marinade right. There are so many concoctions out there that it may be difficult to select just one to fit your palette. From soy sauce to honey to soda and even beer, most marinades originate from creativity. My suggestion is to raid your fridge and your pantry to mix up your own secret recipe. Soak your favorite cuts of meat overnight if possible for maximum flavor, but if you’re crunched for time, a few hours will be enough to make your BBQ finger lickin’ good.
To have a balanced meal, you can’t forget about the vegetables. Grilling vegetables take healthy eating to a whole new level. The smoky flavors from the flame usually enhance the sweetness of different vegetables, which is why so many restaurants use grilled veggies in their popular dishes. It’s a taste of it’s own! You can use your favorite marinade recipe, but usually, the best seasoning for grilled vegetables is something simple. Brush on a flavorful oil, like olive or sesame, and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. You can even add a splash of lemon or a blend of your favorite spices for more kick. Those simple ingredients will boost the flavor, allowing you to get a full taste of the vegetable.
Which veggies go great on the grill? Try:
- Corn
- Peppers
- Onions
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Portabellos
- Squash
- Tomatoes
After you marinate, how will you grill it?
- On skewers?
- Wrapped in foil?
- In a grill basket?
- Straight on the grill (which leaves those oh-so-attractive grill marks)?
How you present your food for your folks is almost important as how it tastes, so make sure your meat is well done (or medium, if you prefer) and done well. And…if you care about your peoples, you should remind them that the delicious meat that you made is full of protein to build muscles and strengthen hair and nails. Don’t forget to mention that the fresh-grilled vegetables contain fiber to clean the digestive system, and are loaded with an assortment of different vitamins and antioxidants. Sharing is caring so pass the plate and educate.
Chow!
