Now that spring has sprung, people all over our neck of the woods are breaking out their grills. There’s just something about this time of year that makes cooking over a grill so enjoyable, and with temperatures on the rise, a need for new grilling recipes comes along with them.
For many people, however, the goal is to grill in a way that’s healthier. But what does healthy grilling actually look like? The primary care doctors at Medics USA have a few suggestions on what you can do to enjoy delicious grilled foods without the guilt. If you’re ready to fire up your grill for the season, keep reading for a few suggestions from our team.
A Few Tips for Healthier Grilling This Spring
Cut Back on Sodium
One of the absolute best things a person can do when grilling is to dial back the sodium a bit. Regardless of what you’re grilling, reaching for the salt is almost like muscle memory, but although it makes the food taste great, it does some lasting damage to the body. That’s not to say that you should cut out salt entirely, of course, but it does mean that there are many recipes out there that simply call for too much salt. Replace sodium with other seasonings, and enjoy great foods without worrying about them having too much salt.
Try More Veggies
If you’re anything like most people, you want a massive steak, a heavily buttered baked potato, and a few of whatever veggies were thrown on the grill. This is the perfect opportunity to turn the beat around, so to speak. Although there’s nothing wrong with steak and a baked potato (as long as they are low in sodium, you know), your plate should consist of about ⅔ veggies and ⅓ steak and potatoes. It’s a tough change to make at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Enjoy More Lean Meat
All things in moderation, as the saying goes. Although many people think of burgers and brats when they think of grilling, the truth is that those foods aren’t particularly good for you to eat multiple times each week. Instead, try grilling some chicken. We know, we know — chicken on the grill is hard to get right because it can get too dried out. Our advice is to do some searching for highly rated recipes and follow them closely. Before you know it, you’ll find a grilled chicken recipe that’s perfect for you.
Schedule a Visit With Our Doctors Today
And speaking of being healthy, when is the last time you saw a primary care doctor for a physical exam? If it’s been awhile, the team at Medics USA can help. With locations in Falls Church and Ashburn, as well as two in D.C. (Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights), we’re here to serve the needs of our patients.
Regardless of your needs, if your goal is to get healthier this spring, we’d love to help. Schedule a visit today. We look forward to hearing from you!