It’s almost Labor Day, and you know what that means – end of
summer BBQ’s and beginning of fall sports! So what are your grilling plans this
Labor Day weekend??
Did you know?
Labor Day was first observed as a holiday in 1894 as
recognition of the social and economic contributions of workers. More recently,
Labor Day is often the celebration of the end of summer, beginning of the NFL
and college football seasons, and the return to school from summer vacation.
Why cook on the grill?
Cooking on the grill can be a healthy way to add a little
twist to some of your favorite healthy foods! By avoiding cooking with heavy
sauces and high fat spreads, you can create a healthy meal that will help you
to fuel your performance. Focus on lean
meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and lean beef. Add a little bit of
seasoning, your favorite herb, or drizzle some olive oil on your dish for a
delicious (and healthy) grilled taste that is perfect for the end of summer!
What can you grill?
Anything! Choose your favorite fruits and vegetables to
grill. You might be surprised at how delicious grilled pineapple is on a
chicken sandwich! Or grilled asparagus as a side dish for a tasty steak! Try
some of these suggestions for a delicious Labor Day meal with your friends and
family!
·
Pineapple: Slice pineapple into
rings (remove the center) and grill for 2-3 minutes each side. You can put this
on sandwiches, burgers, salads, or eat it with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt on top as a dessert! Pineapple contains Bromelain,
which works in your body to reduce inflammation and help with digestion.
·
Asparagus: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil
and 1 tsp pepper on asparagus. Wrap in aluminum foil and grill 10-12 minutes or
until slightly tender. A delicious side dish for any BBQ meal! Asparagus is
rich in folate and vitamin B6, both of which are essential to heart health. It
is also rich in calcium, so eat up for healthy and strong bones!
·
Sweet Potato: Cut a sweet potato
into cubes, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil on it and wrap in aluminum foil or put on a skewer to cook. Throw on
the grill until you can easily put a fork through the potatoes and enjoy! Sweet
potatoes are a great source of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, and
may help to protect the body against oxidative damage.
· Salmon: Top salmon with a slice of
lemon and some salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and grill approximately 10 minutes
or until salmon is flakey on top and cooked through the middle. Salmon is great
source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important protectors against inflammation
and are shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke!
·
Chicken: One of the most versatile
grilling items! Sprinkle a little bit of salt, pepper, and soy sauce on before
grilling. You could also try grilling with a slice of lemon on top for a citrus
taste. Cook until there is no pink in the middle. Chicken is a great lean meat,
offering 7 grams of protein for every ounce of cooked meat!
Happy Grilling!
