Thursday, June 14, 2012

Guilt-Free Grilling


Guilt-Free Grilling



                                                                                                                                            


Barbecue Time! The time where you can enjoy the camaraderie between family and friends while pumping up the volume to DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeff Townes) & The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) "Summertime"





DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Summertime



Grilling Tips:

A balanced diet has become an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Grilling is easy and a great way to amplify flavor without adding calories. It is one of the leanest cooking methods which does not require adding fat.


When you cook meats on the grill, be sure to trim any external fat from the meat before grilling. 


Many propane and charcoal grills include vents which can be adjusted to allow for air and moisture circulation, which helps you control the smoky flavor. Grilled meat often enhances the intended flavor and texture of many meats and vegetables without sacrificing essential nutrients.



BASIC GRILLING TIPS VIDEO





THE BARBECUE WRAP UP:


  • Choose lean meats such as: pork tenderloin, top loin chop, center loin chop, rib chop or sirloin roast.   
  • Grilling is also beneficial because meat cooks quickly, so the natural tenderness and flavor of the meats are maintained.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that pork can be safely cooked to medium rare, at a cooked temperature 145 degrees Fahrenheit as measured on a food thermometer, followed by a three-minute rest time. The revised recommendation applies to pork whole muscle cuts, such as loin, chops and roasts. 
  • Ground pork, like all ground meat, should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Use of sodium-free spices versus heavy creams and oils. Salt-free spices offer flavor without bringing additional fat and calories to the table, ie, Ground black pepper and spice blend salts like Mrs. Dash as a salt substitute.
  • Spices with bold flavors like cumin, coriander and cayenne work great with pork. Rubs can be applied just before grilling or the night before cooking.
  • Rosemary and cinnamon are great flavor enhancers and increase flavor intensity especially in pork. 





  • Marinades are great at the dinner table.  Marinades can come straight from fruit and vegetable purees.

    • Skip heavy, sugar-based marinades, as most are loaded with extra calories that can increase the chance for charring.
    • Vinegar mixtures, like Italian dressing, can reduce the risk of carcinogen formation on any grilled meat. Citrus juice, herbs, spices, and olive oil make great ingredients for marinades.
    • Pairing meat with citrus fruits will ensure your Vitamin C nutrient needs are met, as well as providing a great source of antioxidants. 
    • In addition to marinating, to maximize the natural flavor of lean meats, such as pork tenderloin and ham, pair with fresh fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene, an essential antioxidant, can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots and many leafy greens such as cabbage, kale and spinach.  Add sliced apples, strawberries or prunes to your grilling skewer or pork tenderloin salad for that extra punch.



    FOOD TIPS




        

    Top Sirloin Kabobs and Avocado Sauce


    GET THIS RECIPE!
     Make the Cut
      Use well-trimmed, lean cuts of meat, such as flank steak or sirloin steak. Heart-healthy olive oil protects leaner foods from drying out during high-heat cooking by helping to hold in natural moisture and reduce the loss of moisture during cooking.








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     Sassy Turkey Burger

    GET THIS RECIPE!
                
                


    Create Leaner Burgers

    For lower-fat burgers, blot grease from
    patties with paper towels before grilling. Cut more fat and calories by switching to ground turkey or pork.












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    Steak Salad with Cilantro Oil


    GET THIS RECIPE!









    Make it a Salad
      Top fresh veggies with lean grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a delicious and healthy supper. But skip calorie-packed dressings such as creamy ranch and Italian. Instead, make your own light vinaigrette.









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    Bunless Burger

    GET THIS RECIPE!






           Ditch the Bun 
      Cut carbs and calories by sandwiching your burger between slices of lettuce instead of bread. Can't live without the bread? 
      Try whole-wheat flat bread 
      instead of white buns.






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    Red River Burgers

    GET THIS RECIPE!




    Hold the Cheese
      Good-for-you add-ons like peppers, grilled onions, and fresh tomatoes give flavor without all the fat.




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    Pine Nut-White Bean Dip

     GET THIS RECIPE!
           Skinny Dips
      Dips, a barbecue favorite, can be loaded with calories and fat if they're made from a sour cream base. Make yours with fat-free sour cream instead.




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    Spicy Peanut Satay Sauce

     GET THIS RECIPE!


     

    Avoid Sugar Sauces
      Many barbecue sauces are loaded with calories and sugar. So make your own lighter version. Our Spicy Peanut Satay Sauce is great on chicken and beef.











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    Grilled Green Beans

    GET THIS RECIPE!
    Choose healthy sides


    Choosing healthy sides is an easy way to      lighten up your meal. Trade heavy potatoes and breads for crowd-pleasing recipes that incorporate fresh summer veggies.      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                     





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    Deviled Eggs

    GET THIS RECIPE!
    Lighten Up Your Favorites

      Going lighter doesn't mean you have to give up favorites like deviled eggs and potato salad. Make both with fat-free mayonnaise instead of regular.

    Potato-Cauliflower Salad


    GET THIS RECIPE!






















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    Asian Grilled Salmon Salad

     GET THIS RECIPE!
    Go Fish
      Serve grilled fish like salmon and tuna to take advantage of good-for-you lean protein.
    Direct Grilling of Fish & Shellfish












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    Happy Fruit Kabobs

     

    GET THIS RECIPE!

    Fruit for Dessert                          
      
    Cut fruit such as apples, pears
    place them on skewers or wrap
    them in foil for grilling.  Sprinkle
    on nutmeg and cinnamon for 













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    Orange and Mint Sangria

    GET THIS RECIPE!
    Watch Your Drink

    Be mindful of the calories you're drinking. Enjoy that burger and beer but cut calories by sipping light instead of regular. Instead of calorie-packed cocktails, try wine or homemade sangria.










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    See Marinades: Info & Tips
              Use Low-Fat Marinades
      Use good fats like olive oils combined with vinegar and herbs to spice up your meal. They are a healthful alternative to butter or cream-based marinades and just as tasty.












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    Great flavor a flash! With rubs for grilled meat, poultry, or fish, you get vibrant flavor pronto -- even faster if you make your favorites in bulk so they're always on hand.

       






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    SOURCE