The average BBQ meal is usually 3,000 calories or more. A number like that might make you think there is no way to enjoy BBQ and still feel healthy. Well, the following tips will show you that BBQ can be healthy and still satisfying.
Alternate Meats
It might be a good idea to try different types of meats, such as chicken, which are a lot less fattening. You could also try exotic meats that usually have a lot more nutrients such as bison, which contains a lot more vitamin B than other typical meats. Llama meat or kangaroo meat are other alternative meats that have a low fat content while still providing enough nutrients and minerals. Plus, these meats can be really fun to cook over a propane grill. Just know that you need to cook the less fatty meats on a lower heat than you would beef. This may make it so that you have to use more fuel, so know that you can get propane deliveries in Kitsap and many other cities if you're running out.
Rethink Sauces
The problem with many BBQ sauces is that they are riddled with questionable ingredients like added flavors or preservatives. What you should do is make your own BBQ sauce at home. You just need 15 ounces of homemade tomato sauce, one cup of water, half a cup of raw apple cider vinegar, and one-third of a cup of raw honey. A tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of onion powder will be needed as well. You will also need 1 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, ground mustard, and one teaspoon of paprika. Mix the ingredients together in a pot, and bring them to a boil. Then, reduce to a simmer for an hour. Now, you have a simple and homemade BBQ sauce that you know is healthy.
Interesting Sides
Making healthy sides could be as easy as switching to foods you would not normally associate with BBQ. For example, you can grill pineapples, peppers, zucchinis, and cauliflower, just to give you a few ideas. You could even grill mushrooms or other similar items that should make your BBQ dishes one of a kind compared to traditional foods.
Un-Meaty
One interesting thing that you can do is let go of meat altogether and try tempeh. Tempeh is fermented soy that can take on any taste easily. The texture is crunchy and can easily substitute meat in your BBQ meals or add a little variety. The natural fermentation of this meat alternative gives the dish added probiotics, which aids digestion among other things. All you have to do is steam the tempeh for 10 minutes and marinade overnight with your favorite mix. Grill the tempeh for about eight minutes.
If you struggle with eating healthy when it comes to your family’s weekend BBQ’s, then, hopefully, this article has helped you understand that it doesn’t have to be too difficult. Just be creative about it!