Helping Kids and Families Cook & Eat Healthier.

Five Healthy BBQ Options for Your Next Summer Cookout

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Ditch the nitrate filled hot dogs and throw some of these tasty and healthy treats on the grill for your next cookout. They are so flavorful and filling, we guarantee no one will miss the hot dogs!

  • Grass fed Beef. Grass fed beef actually has a caloric profile similar to skinless chicken, plus important added nutrients. Meat from grass fed cows also has significantly higher levels of the healthy omega 3 essential fatty acid than meat from its grain fed counterpart. It also has more vitamin E and heart healthy conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

 

  • Veggie Burgers. Good premade options are available, or it is easy to make your own. For a homemade veggie burger, choose 1-2 favorite greens (spinach or broccoli work great), some favorite seasonings, and an ingredient to act as a binding agent, like sweet potato, egg, or quinoa.

 

If you choose a store bought version, be sure to look for one with only whole foods and no chemical additives. If a soy or wheat allergy is a problem, watch out for these ingredients as they are common ingredients in store bought versions. If you grill one at home, it may be helpful to wrap it in aluminum foil before grilling to prevent the burger from falling apart.

 

  • Portabella Burger. Did you know that portabella mushrooms offer a respectable 5 grams of protein per serving? Plus they are lean, contain filling fiber, and offer a rich source of B vitamins. Add these tasty burger alternatives to your regular grilling rotation!
  • Organic Chicken. Say no to hormones and antibiotics and yes to full flavor. The beauty of organic chicken is its versatility. Try it smoked, barbequed, or grilled.
  • Black Bean Burgers. It’s hard to beat the combination of affordability and nutrition a black bean burger offers. Make your own by mashing cooked black beans together with cumin, salt, pepper, and onion for a dynamic flavor combination.  Use an egg and some gluten free or whole grain bread crumbs (depending on dietary needs) and you have a flavorful burger that’s ready to throw on the grill. Note: egg substitute of choice may be used for egg allergies.

 

Categories: All Posts, Outdoor FunTags: ,

Author: kimyoung

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