Healthy Grilling Tips

It’s that time of year again: Family and friends hit the outdoors for a fun and friendly barbeque. But what you put on your grill and how long it’s on the grill can affect your health. Follow these tips to help ensure a healthy grilling season:

Choose lean cuts of meat and trim any excess fat. Fat dripping onto hot coals causes smoke that contains potential carcinogens. Less fat means less smoke.
Line the grill with foil and poke small holes in it so the fat can still drip off, but the amount of smoke coming back onto the meat is less.
Pre-cook meats ahead of time in the microwave or oven so they do not have to sit on the grill as long. You can still get that great grilled taste but cut down on carcinogens that can form when protein is cooked at high temperatures.
Avoid charring meat or eating parts that are especially burned and black.
Add some colorful vegetables and fruit to the grill. Red, yellow and green peppers, yellow squash, mushrooms, red onions, pineapple…all of this produce grills well and makes a delicious, colorful and healthy addition to your meal.