6 Heart-Healthy Options For The Grill

Summer is finally here, which also means it’s grilling season! While some look forward to seasonal cookouts all year long, others dread the lack of heart-healthy options to be found at such events.  However, it is actually a lot easier than you think to stay health-conscious this summer without having to sacrifice the joys of grilling. Here are some selections to help you keep your diet and overall health on track, without missing out on any of the fun!

 

Fish

Forget about the red meats that are loaded with saturated fats. Instead, throw some fish on the grill!  Not only is fish low in those unhealthy fats, but they are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that are very beneficial to your heart health. According to the Washington State Department of Health, fish also contains essential vitamins like D and B2, calcium and minerals like iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium. Eating beef or pork can lead to heart problems, so go with the protein that can actually help decrease your risk of a heart attack or stroke!

 

Chicken

Chicken is another leaner alternative when it comes to meals you can prepare on the grill. While it doesn’t contain all of the healthy fatty acids found in fish, it certainly has less of the unhealthy and saturated fats that can be found in your conventional burger or hot dog. A key tip to remember is to remove the skin from your chicken or buy it skinless to keep it low in fat and heart-healthy.

 

Turkey Burgers

If a burger is something you have been craving, try replacing that traditional beef with a turkey burger! You avoid a lot of the unhealthy fat found in beef, while also gaining beneficial micronutrients such as Vitamin B6, niacin, selenium and phosphorous. To make it an even better choice, be sure to avoid dark turkey meat, which can add a lot of the fat back in.

 

Grilled Vegetables

A great way to add some nutritional benefits and flavor to your grilled dishes is to make them colorful. Grilled vegetables served with your healthy proteins can make you the grilling master! Some great vegetables to try out are peppers, eggplant, zucchini, onions and mushrooms.

 

Lighter Sides

Instead of going with traditional summertime side dishes like potato salad and coleslaw, which can be high in sodium and fat, try mixing up your own bean or fruit salad. Bean salad gives you the heart-healthy benefits of the beans, while creating a dish that is light and tasty for a summer cookout, and fruit salad can serve as the perfect complement to a meal or as dessert!

 

Grilled Fruit

Serve up some dessert after your main course with some grilled fruit! Though it may sound unconventional, grilling fruit caramelizes the natural sugars and adds some extra sweetness that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

 

By following these suggestions along with keeping sensible portions in mind, you can make your cookout a success without ruining your diet. Not only will your heart thank you this summer, but your taste buds will too!

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