When you’re on a diet, attending a barbecue party might seem like a challenging task. The enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavours of traditional BBQ fare can tempt even the most dedicated dieters. However, with a little planning and some smart choices, you can enjoy a healthy BBQ without compromising your dietary goals. In this blog, we’ll explore some delicious low-calorie recipes and offer tips on making healthier choices at your next barbecue gathering.
- Opt for Lean Protein: Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, and it’s a fantastic option for your BBQ menu. Choose lean cuts of meat and consider healthier alternatives such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Here’s a tasty recipe for Turkey Mince Burgers:
Turkey Mince Burgers:
Ingredients:
- 500g turkey mince
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the turkey mince, onion, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and shape the mixture into burger patties.
- Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Cook the turkey burgers for about 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the turkey mince burgers on a bed of lettuce or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun for a low-calorie option.
- Embrace Grilled Seafood: Seafood is not only delicious but also a great choice for a healthy barbecue. Grilled king prawns make a delectable and low-calorie option. Here’s how to prepare them:
Grilled King Prawns:
Ingredients:
- 500g king prawns, peeled and deveined
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and toss them gently to coat them with the marinade.
- Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Thread the prawns onto skewers and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve the grilled king prawns as a flavourful and healthy protein option.
- Load Up on Veggie Skewers: Vegetable skewers are a fantastic way to add colour, flavour, and nutrition to your BBQ. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals. Here’s a simple recipe for veggie skewers:
Veggie Skewers:
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables of your choice (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating between different types for variety.
- Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium heat.
- Cook the veggie skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
- Enjoy these colourful and nutrient-packed skewers as a healthy side dish.
- Mindful BBQ Sides: While some traditional BBQ sides can be high in calories, there are ways to enjoy them in a healthier manner. Here are a couple of tips:
- Coleslaw: Opt for a lighter coleslaw made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of dressing and add extra crunch with shredded cabbage, carrots and fresh herbs.
- Potato Salad: Make a healthier version of potato salad by using a light vinaigrette dressing instead of heavy mayonnaise. Add fresh herbs, diced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for extra flavour.
Attending a barbecue while on a diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun or compromise your health goals. By choosing lean proteins, incorporating grilled seafood and vegetable skewers and making mindful choices with side dishes, you can enjoy a healthy and flavourful BBQ experience. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family and savour a delicious, diet-friendly feast!