Healthy Grilling Ideas for Father’s Day
Angela Jenkins
| 2 min read
We love our dads, husbands, and grandpas – and we want them around for many years. So, what better way to show our love than with a healthy, grilled meal that he’ll adore?
Healthy Meat Options
Choose these options when shopping for a cut of meat:
- Lean/extra lean ground turkey
- 80/20 ground sirloin beef (96/4 is the leanest)
- Turkey sausages/dogs
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salmon, Cod, Mahi-Mahi
- Steaks come in lean and extra lean
- Eye of round roast or steak
- Sirloin tip side steak
- Top round roast and steak
- Bottom round roast and steak
- Top sirloin steak
Grill Those Veggies
Vegetables are an important source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that our bodies need. Now that new guidelines recommend that half a dinner plate be filled with fruits and vegetables, it is vital to incorporate as many veggies as possible. Here are some great guidelines for grilling dad’s favorite veggies:
- Cut veggies equal in size so they cook evenly (although most veggies can be cooked whole)
- Coating the veggies in canola or vegetable oil before putting them on the grill will eliminate them from sticking and enhance their flavor
- Herbs burn, so wait to toss veggies with them until the end – and using salt and pepper before putting them on the grill will bring out their natural flavors
- If you are making kabobs, choose veggies that have the same cooking time (potatoes and onions will not cook at the same time, leaving one burnt and one uncooked)
- Sprinkle a little sugar on the veggies half way through grilling for a nice caramelized flavor the family is sure to love
- If the weather is bad, get out the cast iron pan to use on the stove – it provides similar flavor to the grill
Grilled Desserts
My dad’s favorite course is dessert; he has always had a sweet tooth. Here are some healthier desserts dad can enjoy without all the guilt:
- Fruit and Cake Kabobs (eliminate the pound cake to save calories)
My dad is my hero and I look forward to celebrating Father’s Day each and every year with him. To all of the men out there who care for children – no matter what age – have a wonderful and Happy Father’s Day!
Photo credit: mary.w.e
