Healthy Grilling Tips for the Summer

Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook your food. Your meat, poultry, fish, and veggies get tons of great smoky flavor from the fire—not from unhealthy fats, butter, and oils. Here are some grilling tips for eating healthy this summer...

• Use low-calorie marinades, sauces, and rubs to flavor food instead of drowning it in butter or unhealthy oils. Spice and herb rubs like Lemon Pepper or Green Goddess are a great, healthy way to flavor food. Another suggestion? My simple, go-to healthy marinade for veggies is: balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, and just a drizzle of olive oil.

• To keep foods from sticking, grease the grill with healthy items like vegetable spray or olive oil.

• Choose lean cuts of meat, fish, poultry, and VEGETABLES instead hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, and brats, which contain tons of fat and calories.

• Avoid "well-done." Carcinogenic formation on food—also known as "char"—can increase the risk for certain forms of cancer. Stop cooking meat before it is overdone, and remove any charred black sections before eating.

• Don't forget the fruit! Pass on the ice cream and grill fruit for dessert instead. I love grilling pineapple, but peaches, plums, and mangoes work just as well.

Do you have any tips for keeping grilling healthy this summer?