BBQ To Your Health

by Laura Bady

Finally, summer is upon us and many of us are more than ready to fire up our barbecues. Here are a few ways to make your BBQ meals tastier and healthier.

4 Basic Tips to Enjoy Healthy BBQ

Marinate meats and fish using a variety of herbs and spices, olive oil and lemon, lime, orange, red wine, or vinegar (commercial marinades are also available for convenience). Blend herbs and spices into ground meats. Trim the fat. Remove excess visible fat to avoid smoke flare-ups and charring. Slow it down. Cook at low to medium temperatures. Avoid high heat and charring. Grill vegetables such as asparagus, peppers, corn, mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini.

Basic Marinade Recipe

For one pound of fish, chicken, beef, or pork

· Juice of 1 fresh lemon

· 1 tsp fresh minced garlic, or more to taste (substitute 1/2 tsp granulated garlic)

· 2 tsp dried oregano

· 1/2 tsp dried thyme

· 1/8 cup olive oil

· Salt & pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a small jar or bowl and pour over meat. Marinate in the fridge covered for 30 minutes for fish and up to 24 hours for meat. Avoid reusing marinade after it has been in contact with meat or fish. For vegetables, brush marinade on before grilling and brush a little on after grilling.