Summer means it’s time to fire up the grill and throw a backyard cookout. But if you’re getting up to speed or thriving with your weight-loss diet, you may need to think a bit more about what you’re throwing on the flames. Understanding the importance of lean protein, nutritious sides, and properly portioning your plate are some of the finest tips to follow for healthy grilling.
Healthy Grilling Tips for Your Weight-Loss Diet
Don’t Overprepare
When you’re entertaining guests, it can be hard to get a handle on how much food to have handy. Before you head out to the grocery store, get a final headcount so that you’ll get closer to only buying what you need. This will help you avoid the temptation to eat more than you should to prevent food waste. When you serve yourself, make sure you don’t overcrowd your plate, and take your time eating.
The Importance of Picking the Right Protein
Building your cookout menu around a good, lean protein is of the utmost importance if you’re trying to stick to a weight-loss diet. Hot dogs and burgers are summer staples, but they’re less healthy grilling options like sirloin tips, chicken breast, or cod. Something like smoked salmon or a grilled whole chicken packs plenty of flavor, protein, and nutrients.
Think Smart with Your Sides
If understanding the importance of protein is one of the best healthy grilling tips you can follow, getting the most mileage out of side dishes is—appropriately—right there alongside it. Ditch things like potato chips, oily pasta salads, and sugary baked beans in favor of healthier fare like coleslaw, grilled veggies, or baked potatoes.
If you want to try a healthier spin on your famous potato salad, consider swapping out fat-heavy mayo for Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein while offering similar consistency and a unique bite. And if you do knock back a beer or two, make sure you drink eight glasses of water or more—especially if it’s hot outside.
Get Help with Your Weight-Loss Diet in Midland, MI
You have to start somewhere if you want to pick up better lifestyle habits, and these healthy grilling tips show that you can start at your grill. Knowing the importance of good protein and a healthy side can kick off your journey to better nutrition and wellness—and so can regular chiropractic care. To learn how regular adjustments may help with your weight-loss diet, call (989) 837-5998 or schedule your appointment online.
