Talk the 'Grill-Talk' with New and Flavorful Ideas for Summer

Summer is here, the warm weather creates opportunities to grill; get outside and have a great time! With the 4th of July holiday coming up, you have plenty of healthier eating options - whether grilling fresh meats, or vegetarian options, like fresh vegetables and fresh produce for salads. 

  

Here are some ideas to create a healthy menu. Try a few of these ideas this 4th of July..

• Throw a kabob of color onto the grill with vegetables like red or yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, cherry tomatoes and onions.
• For a flavor of fruit, try fruit kabobs with pineapple slices or peach halves.
• Ever had a Portobello Burger?  A tasty vegetarian alternative!

Summer is a great time to fire up the grill. Even if you don't consider yourself a 'grill master', you can get creative and spice up any cookout by adding fruits and vegetables to the menu.

Beyond the benefits of adding color, variety and flavor to the menu with fruits and vegetables, you're also serving up a variety of vitamins and nutrients. Remember, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.  These are also low glycemic carbohydrates - if you are one of my clients, you have been educated on the glycemic index, so now you have more creative ideas to use.

If you decide to go with the kabob with marinated vegetables like red or yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, cherry tomatoes and onions, simply brush the vegetables with olive oil and your favorite spices and grill over medium heat, turning until marked and tender (about 12 to 15 minutes, and 8 to 10 minutes for cherry tomatoes).

Whether you're a vegetarian or an avid meat lover, a grilled, marinated Portobello burger is a tasty alternative. Marinate and grill mushrooms with the 'sides up', over medium-low heat with the grill covered until they are marked and softened (about 15 minutes). Flip and grill until cooked through, being careful not to char the "gills" of the Portobello (1 to 2 minutes).

For an interesting grill twist that will strike up brand new "grill talk", try fruit on kabobs. Pineapple slices or peach halves work great. Grill on low heat until the fruit is hot and slightly golden. 
For a flavorful dessert topping, serve them on top of low-fat frozen yogurt or angel food cake.

Another tasty option – grilled watermelon! Since watermelon is primarily made up of water, when you put it on the grill some of the water evaporates, leaving an intense watermelon flavor. Grilling watermelon slices only takes about 30 seconds on each side.

Healthy Tips for the Food on the Grill:

* As you grill, keep raw meat and poultry (and raw meat juices) separate from ready-to-eat foods, including fruits and vegetables. This means using separate plates, cooking utensils and cutting boards.

* Remember to always use a food thermometer when cooking meat, poultry or fish to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. Using a food thermometer is key to reducing your risk of food poisoning.

In Health, 

Zeke Samples - IFA, - IDEA

Surrealbody@gmail.com