Grilling is a great way to enjoy summer, but more importantly it’s one of the healthiest–and greenest–ways to prepare meat, seafood, tofu and your favorite vegetables if you know how to do it right.
Grilling is quick and convenient and adds a unique flavor to food. You can grill several different items at one time, which makes it perfect for friends and families with diverse food preferences. Grilling is healthy because it allows you to cook food to perfection without oils and allows you to cook lean meat without drying it out.
Some tips: Cuts of meat should be at least an inch thick so they stay tender; grilled foods should be flipped halfway through cooking time; marinades are a healthy way to add flavor when you grill (Livestrong).
Tips for greener grilling
Fire up a gas grill, or use hardwood lump charcoal started with a chimney device. The latter method gives off less CO2 and other chemicals than commercial briquettes, which are also soaked in potentially cancer-causing chemicals that can also promote carcinogenic charring on food. Gas or propane grills save time, get hot instantly and release fewer chemicals into the air. Read more on greener, healthier grilling and how to find chemical additive-free charcoal at Daily Kos.
Beer lovers’ secret
More healthy grilling ideas
- Cool DIY grills and picnic-perfect recipes.
- Great gifts for Father’s Day–or any day: seven essential grilling tools make outdoor life even easier (The Daily Meal).
- More healthy tips for cooking meat and fish (Everyday Health).
