Why BBQ Can Be a Healthy Food Choice

So what that it’s winter? That shouldn’t stop you having a BBQ!  

In fact, firing up the barbie and dining al fresco has become ever more popular – and the good news is that opting for a barbecue can actually be a great option for your health.  

Don’t believe it? Read on …

The Health Benefits of BBQ

1. Lower your fat consumption by grilling

Grilling and barbequing meat can help to lessen the amount of fat you consume. The excess fat drips away through the grates when you grill or barbeque food, whereas pan-frying keeps the fats sloshing about to be absorbed back into the meat.

The NHS even advises grilling meat to lower your fat intake, as well as trimming off visible fats before cooking. 

It’s also worth remembering that fat is not the enemy! Avocado is a healthy fat that can spruce up a salad — a perfect side dish for your barbeque.  

2. Veggies from the barbie are better!

You’ll want some fresh veg to go with your meat, and luckily, grilling veggies on the barbeque is not only healthy, but delicious! 

It helps to lower your fat intake as you don’t need much oil to cook vegetables. 

Plus, the slow-cook method of barbequing helps to lock in vitamins and minerals in those juicy veggies.  

3. Carcinogen-free food

Worried about the coals in your barbeque? Some doctors have suggested people switch to bottled gas for their barbeques instead, as it could be healthier. 

This is because charcoal is a type of carcinogen, as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines wreak havoc on the health factor of food cooked on an open flame. 

These cancer-causing chemicals have become a cause for concern for many, so switching to a small gas bbq is the easy fix. Plus, unlike coals, bottled gas is much easier to control, and in turn, the temperature is easier to control. 

Lighting the outside burners rather than the centre one and popping your food in the middle of the grill with the lid closed is an excellent way to keep that temperature manageable. 

4. Quality over quantity 

So long as you’re not overcooking things on the barbeque, your food will be flavorful and moisture-locked. 

As a result, you will be less likely to add condiments (and therefore, extra fats) to your food. This helps to keep an eye on those calories, as well as knocking down your sugar intake. 

5. Locked-in nutrients

People love the taste of a good barbequed meal. It’s great to know then that not only is barbequed food tasty, but it’s also packed with vitamins thanks to the method of cooking preserving those all-important nutrients! 

In Conclusion

Grilling outdoors can be fun and healthy, but be sure to observe social distancing and other Covid protocols as much as possible. Don’t invite people outside of your household and check your local council website for guidance before you fire up the barbeque this summer.