Fire up the barbie for healthy meals this summer
Issue date: 6/29/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
(ARA) - It's officially grilling season -- the perfect time to fire up that commitment to a healthy lifestyle. While this outdoor tradition adds flavor to foods, it also helps remove fat and calories.
Whether it's camping and preparing food over an open fire, or cooking from the barbeque on the deck, Weight Watchers offers tips to use the grill for every element of a healthy meal from salads to dessert.
1. Seared Salads: Take a break from ordinary lettuce, and substitute it with those favorite vegetables, such as asparagus, squash or red peppers. Serve in a bowl as a traditional starter, or pile in paper cones to encourage mingling at outdoor get-togethers.
2. Beefless Burgers: While extra lean ground beef (93 percent lean) is always a smart favorite, why not try a patty with a punch, such as salmon, tuna, chicken or turkey? Bulk up these burger alternatives by adding chopped vegetables or fruits, as well as low-calorie sauces or rubs. Nestle burgers onto a whole wheat bun or pita for added fiber and flavor.
3. Side Pockets: Not every side needs to be served in a dish. Put it in a pocket -- a tinfoil pocket, that is. Tear off a 12-inch sheet of foil and fill with sliced red potatoes, onions, herbs and salt and pepper. Fold over the foil and seal tightly until veggies are tender, turning at least once. Grilling in foil locks in flavors and nutrients, and makes for easy clean up.
4. Sweet Endings: Swap the cakes and cookies for Mother Nature's favorite dessert -- fruit. Make a tropical treat with easily prepared fruit kabobs. Fill water soaked skewers with chunks of bananas, pineapple and mangos and sear over the fire. For extra flavor, lightly brush with a touch of melted butter, brown sugar, ginger and rum.
On the Net: www.WeightWatchers.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Whether it's camping and preparing food over an open fire, or cooking from the barbeque on the deck, Weight Watchers offers tips to use the grill for every element of a healthy meal from salads to dessert.
1. Seared Salads: Take a break from ordinary lettuce, and substitute it with those favorite vegetables, such as asparagus, squash or red peppers. Serve in a bowl as a traditional starter, or pile in paper cones to encourage mingling at outdoor get-togethers.
2. Beefless Burgers: While extra lean ground beef (93 percent lean) is always a smart favorite, why not try a patty with a punch, such as salmon, tuna, chicken or turkey? Bulk up these burger alternatives by adding chopped vegetables or fruits, as well as low-calorie sauces or rubs. Nestle burgers onto a whole wheat bun or pita for added fiber and flavor.
3. Side Pockets: Not every side needs to be served in a dish. Put it in a pocket -- a tinfoil pocket, that is. Tear off a 12-inch sheet of foil and fill with sliced red potatoes, onions, herbs and salt and pepper. Fold over the foil and seal tightly until veggies are tender, turning at least once. Grilling in foil locks in flavors and nutrients, and makes for easy clean up.
4. Sweet Endings: Swap the cakes and cookies for Mother Nature's favorite dessert -- fruit. Make a tropical treat with easily prepared fruit kabobs. Fill water soaked skewers with chunks of bananas, pineapple and mangos and sear over the fire. For extra flavor, lightly brush with a touch of melted butter, brown sugar, ginger and rum.
On the Net: www.WeightWatchers.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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