Summer Cooking: BBQ, Grilling, and More!

Getting outside this summer is a fun and easy way to keep your body healthy and in shape, and it will most certainly build your appetite! However, you don’t have to sacrifice the sunshine to prepare a good meal. Cooking outdoors is a great way to bring together your friends and family while also inspiring them with healthy, delicious entrees!

 

Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the grill, this grilled summer vegetable platter is a great place to begin. Perfect for a summer gathering or a family cookout, these healthy veggies make a perfect side dish or vegetarian entree! The recipe suggests a great mix of in-season summer vegetables, but it can easily be customized to taste. Start with what you’ve grown in your own garden, or check out what’s available at your local farmer’s market! I also recommend swapping out the olive oil for coconut oil and going light on the seasonings for another healthy alternative.

 

For a more protein-heavy summer entree, try these chicken, tomato, and corn foil packets for a quick and simple grilled dish. In 12” foil strips, compile chicken breasts, tomatoes, corn, and garlic. The original recipe calls for a tablespoon of olive oil, but I recommend using coconut oil for a healthier main dish as well as adding a lighter amount of salt and pepper. Cover the food completely and seal the foil packets closed. Grill until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170ºF and the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle over each entree with basil and you’ve just grilled a delicious meal full of healthy summer favorites!

 

Lastly, instead of reaching for hotdogs and beef while preparing for your summer festivities, consider this bison burger with barbecue sauce for a healthier take on a classic favorite. Like beef, bison is rich in vitamin B12 and iron. When you’re shopping, look for labels that say 100% grass-fed for more nutrient-rich bison. This recipe wraps great summer flavors into an iceberg lettuce leaf, and can be made even healthier by exploring butter alternatives.

 

If you’d like to catch more tips and advice for healthy eating and cooking like a chef, be sure to follow me on Instagram at OfficialChefT, check out SimpleEatsTV on YouTube, and find my podcast, Simple Eats w/ Chef T, on iTunes, Google Play, Overcast, Pocket Cast, and Radio Public.

Always remember to Eat with a Purpose!

 

Resources:

MyRecipes
Delish
Health
Healthline

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