1. Try alternatives: Replace some of your meat with BBQ side dishes that include beans, legumes or whole grains. Eating more wholegrain foods like whole meal and mixed grain breads, brown rice and whole meal pasta is an easy way to replace the fatty, less healthy alternatives and balance up your meal. People who eat more wholegrain foods each day have a much lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Try our Whole Grain Tortillas wrapped around some lean meat grilled on the BBQ with some salad – delicious.
2. Side dishes: Pair your lean grilled items with one or more of the following healthy side dishes: fresh green salad, quinoa salad, roasted veggies or a baked potato.
3. Trim the fat: Use lean, well-trimmed cuts of meat to grill and avoid high-fat meats such as sausages. Keep portion sizes moderate (a serving size about the size of the palm of your hand is a good guide for meat). Choose foods such as fish and skinless poultry more often because they are lower in saturated fat than red meat. Eating less fat means easier weight control, a lower risk of diabetes and reduced risk of heart disease.
4. Cut the salt: Fresh herbs, spices, and fruit juices are a great way to season food. Try basil, bay leaf, cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, parsley or thyme for more flavour without the sodium. Sprinkle some on the meat of vegies and then cook it as usual.
This article contains general information. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific advice for your personal situation.