Good for You BBQ: Healthy Grilling for Memorial Day!

Grilling season has arrived and it’s time to fire up your grill! While grilling is a low-fat method of cooking, many barbeque and cookout dishes can overload us on fat, calories and sugar. Good for you BBQ is about starting with nutritious foods, practicing portion control, and having those summertime treats in moderation. Here are some tips to get you started:

An average BBQ Plate with the ingredients listed below can equal up to 1630 calories, 82g of Fat, and 57g of sugar!

• 1 cheeseburger on white bun
  
• 2 baby back BBQ ribs Handful potato chips with dip
  
• Potato salad
  
• Glass of iced tea
  
• 1 brownie
  

Here are a few easy ways to cut the calories at your BBQ:

1. Choose low-fat burgers

• 90% or higher lean ground beef
  
• Bison burgers
  
• Veggie burgers
  
• Ground turkey or chicken breast
  

2. Choose lean grilling meats

• Skinless chicken breasts
  
• Chicken/fish/vegetable kebobs
  
• London broil or flank steak
  
• Fish – salmon, halibut, shrimp
  

3. Choose lower-calorie sides

• Grilled veggies
  
• Corn on the cob
  
• Sweet or white potatoes
  

4. Choose low-fat varieties of the classics

• Low-fat mayo salads – potato, macaroni, coleslaw
• Baked potato chips
• Low-fat dressings for pasta salads
  

5. Keep sugary drinks and sweets in check

• Fruit salad for dessert
  
• Water or zero calorie drinks
  
• Low-fat ice cream, sugar free popsicles or fat free fudge bars
  

A Healthier BBQ Plate: Just 577 calories, 20g Fat, and 35g Sugar!

• Turkey burger with whole wheat bun and 1 slice low-fat cheese
  
• Grilled BBQ chicken breast, 4oz
  
• Mixed green salad with low-fat dressing
  
• Bottled water
  
• Wedge of watermelon
  
• Fudge pop – fat free
  

Dare to be different at your next BBQ. Make mixed coleslaw with vinaigrette instead of mayo or try a Dijon mustard potato salad for your guests. Kebobs layered with meat, veggies and shrimp are sure to please and nothing says summer like a big bowl of blueberries and strawberries for dessert. As you can see, swapping out a few items this Memorial Day can make it a Good for you BBQ!

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com