How do you spell summer? B-B-Q! Tips for a Healthy BBQ Season

It may well go all the way back to the land of dinosaurs, but it seems that to the male of the species, an open fire and charring meat and the outdoors go together like peanut butter and jam.

With the warm weather upon us now, barbeques everywhere are heating up with roasted corn and juicy hamburgers.

Here are 11 tips to ensure you have healthy and safe BBQ meals this summer:

1. How fat is your meat? Select lean, or extra lean cuts of meat or better yet have your butcher grind a prime piece of beef or turkey for burgers. Fresh fish should be purchased no earlier then a day before eating.

2. Choose your picnic spot wisely! Everyone wants to be under a tree sheltered away from the sun, but insects think alike. Also, things drop from trees therefore, it’s better to be further away.

3. If meats are marinated before grilling, do NOT re-use the marinade to baste the meat. Raw meat juices and bacteria have seeped into the marinade, so prepare a separate one for basting.

4. Use low-calorie marinades to add flavor and zest without excess calories.

5. Use a clean plate to place cooked meat on; raw and cooked should never go together.

5. Cook meat thoroughly and use a food-grade thermometer to ensure proper temperatures are reached and test for doneness. Many BBQ experts like to cook meat in the oven first and finish cooking it on the grill. This limits the length of time it is exposed to extreme heat and reduces the potential for smoking and flames from dripping juices or sugary barbeque sauce.

6. Consider cooking in foil. This method creates a flavor trap and meats can be seasoned with lemon, wine and fresh herbs. Foil also speeds cooking time.

7. Keep your grill clean by superheating barbecue after cooking to burn off excess food, and then scrape off debris.

8. Stock up on individual condiment packets or use squeeze bottles. This limits cross-contamination.

9. Invest in a pair of long-handled barbeque utensils so you stay a safe distance from the heat.

10. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Don’t bring food out until ready to serve. Use food tents and domes to protect food from insects.

11. Wash hands before and after handling raw or cooked meat. Have anti-bacterial wipes available for your guests.

For more ideas regarding healthy BBQ eating, check out our review of Mike Geary’s book The Truth About Six Pack Abs. You will find nutrition guidelines, eating habits and need-to-know information regarding your body and why the majority of people trying to lose weight fail miserably.

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