BBQ season is well and truly upon us! With the good weather, many of us look forward to celebrating with friends and family around the grill. However, traditional BBQs tend to be indulgent, high in calories and saturated fat. But did you know it is still entirely possible to enjoy a healthy and nutritious feast without compromising on flavour?! Here are some quick and easy tips to follow for your next BBQ!

1. Choose lean meats

Opting for leaner protein sources is much more beneficial for our health! Skinless chicken fillets and turkey burgers for example are great options as they have a lower saturated fat content compared to red meat. Also, fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are a great BBQ option and contain high levels of omega-3, beneficial for heart health. If you do choose red meat, aim to buy leaner cuts! Marinating these leaner cuts with flavourful herbs and spices to enhance their taste is a great option to ensure a flavourful punch!

2. Include lots of colour

People don’t often think of fruit and vegetables when barbecuing, but these can be really tasty additions! Grilling a variety of colourful veggies enhances the flavour and adds plenty of variety to the meals to ensure you are getting an array of important micronutrients! Bell peppers, courgette, aubergine, corn on the cob and asparagus are a few great examples. Kebabs are also a fun way to incorporate as much veggies as possible! Have a fruit bowl for dessert or chocolate covered strawberries for extra health benefits and a sweet treat!We have a range of side salads that would be perfect to incorporate into your healthy BBQ spread including the courgette, carrot and pumpkin seed slaw, green superfood salad and the chickpea and four bean salad!

3. Be mindful of portions

While enjoying the delicious food at your BBQ, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes. In general terms, a healthy eating plate should consist of:

⭐½ plate of fruit/veg- as much variety as possible!

⭐¼ plate lean protein- the recommended portion size of lean meats is between 50 - 75g, around half the size of the palm of your hand. The recommended portion size of fish is 100g.

⭐¼ plate fibre rich, wholegrain carbohydrates. 

4. Go for wholegrains

Opting for wholegrain sources of carbohydrates is much more beneficial for your health as they are less processed, a high source of fibre and many other essential vitamins and minerals. If you are serving burgers, serve them in wholemeal baps. Similar with pasta salads, where possible, opt for wholegrain pasta.

5. Try reduced fat/calorie salad dressings

Many BBQ sauces and marinades are loaded with sugar, additives and are high in calories. Instead, try experimenting with homemade versions using fresh ingredients like lemon, onion, garlic, spices and olive oil! Try opting for greek yoghurt or avocado as a base for creamy dressings/dips, which are healthier alternatives to traditional mayonnaise-based sauces!

6. Keep hydrated

Stay hydrated during your BBQ by providing a variety of refreshing drinks! An ice-cold jug of water, infused with slices of citrus fruits, berries, mint or cucumber will add some extra flavour and excitement! Tasty food, cool drink in hand and surrounded by good company – what more could you ask for!

Hosting a healthy BBQ doesn't mean sacrificing on flavour or enjoyment. By making smart choices and focusing on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, you can have a delightful and guilt-free celebration! So, fire up the grill, gather friends and family around, get outdoors and embrace these healthy BBQ tips! 

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