Enjoy a Healthy Summer Feast: Nutritious Tips for BBQ Season
Highlights:
- Dr. Sandon emphasizes blending healthier options with your favorites to cut down on added sugar and fats
- Taco salad bowls with mixed greens, black beans, avocado, and fresh toppings provide a nutrient-packed meal
- Opt for lean ground beef and chicken, vinegar-based barbecue sauces, and leaner cuts of meat for healthier grilling options
Whether you're throwing a summer outdoor BBQ or avoiding the heat with an indoor event, a nutrition expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center says there are plenty of ways to get some nutrients on your plate.
"If you're not ready to replace your entire plate with healthy alternatives, you can still cut down on added sugar and fats by blending your favorites with some healthier options," explained Lona Sandon, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Nutrition in the UTSW School of Health Professions and Director of the Master of Clinical Nutrition Coordinated Program.
Savor the Summer: Dr. Sandon's Guide to Delicious and Healthy Eating
Dr. Sandon claims that eating healthy throughout the summer is easier than you think - and also delicious.‘Savor the flavors of summer while making healthy choices! Dr. Sandon shares her expert tips for nutritious BBQs and delicious meals. Discover mouthwatering alternatives and nourish your body. #HealthySummerEating #NutritionTips’
Allow your guests to assemble their taco salad bowls from a variety of mixed greens, baby spinach, and arugula. Serve with drained and rinsed canned black beans, diced avocado, black olives, and fresh pico de gallo, as well as low-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Corn tortillas can be used in place of chips or a fried shell.
Grill 90% or more lean ground beef and chicken breasts instead of salted cold cuts. Toppings include lettuce leaves, dill pickles, sliced onion, tomato, and avocado. On a hot summer day, everyone enjoys a dish of fresh mixed berries or chopped watermelon. Summer fruits have a high nutritional value. Half of your plate should be made up of fruits and vegetables (1✔).
Dr. Sandon's Healthy Twist on Summer Grilling Favorites
Dr. Sandon suggests the following nutritional alternatives:Wings:
Instead of deep-frying chicken wings, remove the skin and bake or grill them. Instead of typical wings, consider grilling chicken bits. Make your hot sauce or use your favorite. Dip with low-fat sour cream and blue cheese dressing, or plain Greek yogurt.
Barbecue:
Try vinegar-based barbecue sauces with fewer added sugars. Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin, as well as skinless chicken or turkey breast. Instead of potato salad, serve grilled vegetable kebabs with chopped zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, purple onion, and sweet potato on the side.
Ribs:
Use leaner beef ribs instead of hog ribs, which are typically fattier (2✔). Instead of ordinary ribs, use baby back ribs. Consider brisket, which may be wrapped in lettuce leaves or topped with it.
Burgers:
Use the leanest ground beef possible, or use slim ground turkey, tuna, salmon, or a black bean vegetarian burger. Season with your preferred spices and rubs.
Bratwurst vs. hot dogs:
Bratwurst often has more calories and saturated fat than lean hot dogs. Try turkey or soy franks in addition to 100% beef franks. Wheat buns or corn tortillas can be used.
Dr. Sandon is a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern.
References:
- Health benefits of fruits and vegetables - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22797986/)
- Total, Fresh, Lean, and Fresh Lean Beef Consumption in Relation to Nutrient Intakes and Diet Quality among U.S. Adults, 2005�2016 - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30845714/)
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