July is National Grilling Month

June 29, 2015

Get outside and start the grill- It’s National Grilling Month!

Not only do you get to experience being outside in the sunshine while you cook, you also get to enjoy the health benefits that result from grilling your food.

Grilled foods are known to be healthier than foods cooked on the stove or in the oven. This is because fewer vitamins and minerals are lost when food is grilled compared to methods such as baking or frying. Also, grilling allows food to retain moisture while the fat contained in or on the food drips out of it, decreasing the fat content.

*Remember: Not all grilled food is healthy. Adding toppings like sauces and butter increase calories and fat. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy grilling options that everyone can enjoy.

Healthy grilling options:

• Choose lean meats such as, ground beef, sirloin, skinless chicken, fish, or tofu.
• Instead of using marinade or oil to flavor the meat, try using a dry or low sodium seasoning.
• Grilled vegetables such as corn on the cob, zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes are always a delicious option.
• Another benefit to grilling is that even grilled bananas, peaches, and pineapples taste great!

Just like cooking indoors, there are some precautions to consider. Make sure to follow these safe grilling tips to ensure that your grilled food reaches the table safely.

Safe grilling tips:

• Marinate foods in the refrigerator (never on the counter or outdoors).
• Cook food thoroughly.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under leaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Fun facts about grilling:

• 63% of the US population grills monthly.
• 62% of Americans own an outdoor grill (63% gas grill; 51% charcoal grill).
• The four foods grilled most often are: #1 Hamburgers, #2 Steak, #3 Hotdogs, #4 Chicken.
• In the US, North-Easterners grill the most, followed by those who inhabit the North-Central, the South, and the West.
• The 4th of July is the largest grilling holiday, followed by Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

What better time to grill than the summertime? Grilling is a great way to eat well while hanging outside with friends and family.

For more ideas of healthy and delicious meals to throw on the grill, check out these links below.

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/healthy-recipes/main-dishes/bbq–grilling/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_grilling_recipes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/03/healthy-grill-recipes_n_3535834.html