June 2007 Edition

Topics: healthy grilling, healthy barbeque recipes,healthy barbeque,healthy bbq,healthy bbq tips,healthy grilling recipes, grilling marinade recipes,organic marinade,healthy marinating,healthy recipes

"All the life of the planet is interrelated... each species has its own ties to others, and ...all are related to the earth."
-Rachel Carson

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Summer Barbeque Healthy Grilling Recipes And Tips

So many of us savor the memories of the summer barbeque and are planning barbeques and cookouts on the grill, with Father's Day, summer and the 4th of July fast approaching. But some studies have warned that grilling meats or fish at BBQ's is not as healthy as broiling or baking, due to cancer causing compounds caused by this cooking method. Grilling or cooking at high temperatures can convert meat proteins to compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCA).

The good news is there are easy ways to reduce the health risks. One idea for healthy grilling is to prepare healthy vegetarian barbeque kabobs, using vegetable or tofu ingredients. But even traditional BBQ fare and grilled meats can be made a bit healthier if you follow these easy healthy cooking tips.

Introducing:

Healthy Barbeque And Grilling Tips:

One method of barbeque cooking is over an open fire, but most choose to cook on a barbeque with briquettes.

Here are some tips for a healthy BBQ:

• Buy natural cooking briquettes and wood chips at your local natural food supermarket.
  
• Try eco-friendly barbequing with a propane grill instead of a charcoal grill.
  
• Skip using lighter fluid as it has high levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
  
• 'Fire lighting' chimneys are great fire starters
  
• Try grilling vegetables -this is easily done on skewers, grilling baskets, or with tinfoil.
  
• Meatless grilling recipes such as Boca Burgers, tofu dogs etc...
  
• Buy organic meat, poultry, and wild fish when possible.
  
• Keep portions of meat small.
  
• Marinating meat, poultry, and seafood healthier and reduces HCAs.
  
• Trim the fat off of meats
  
• Cook slowly over medium heat and turn frequently to reduce HCAs
  
• Removed burnt portions of barbequed meats.
  
• Supplement your BBQ main course with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits.

The American Institute For Cancer Research (AICR) has created a great printable PDF of grilling tips.

They report that marinating food reduces cancer causing HCAs and PAHs, so aside from the great flavors of marinated foods there is also a health benefit, make your own, try the AICR marinade recipe, or try a new marinade Mambo Sprouts Healthy Summer Recipes.

• Meatless recipes: Grilled Eggplant Burgers - Meatless Grilled Quesadillas with Spicy Mango Salsa - Gyro Burgers
  
  
• Healthy Barbeque side dishes: Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Herbs - Ambrosia Salad - Creamy Tempeh Salad
  
  
• Healthy grilling recipes: Marinated Thai-Style Skewered Chicken - Grilled Ginger Salmon with Sweet and Hot Chili Oil