With summer break and the warm weather arriving, you may get the urge to fire up the grill for your next meal. With so many foods to choose from, including cholesterol-loaded steaks or vegetables heavy in carbs, it’s worthwhile to consider your heart health when planning a cookout. If you’re not sure how to make the meals nutritious, here are a few tips.  

How to Grill Healthy This Summer

1. Choose Chicken

Chicken is a lean protein you can eat without any guilt. To incorporate the tasty option into a heart health plan, remember to remove the skin before cooking it. Also, go for white-meat pieces like breasts instead of the darker, fattier thighs or legs.

2. Opt for Fish

Fish is an excellent choice for summer cookouts. Not only is it loaded with important heart-healthy nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, but it’s also a lean protein that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Salmon, trout, and herring are the top choices to throw on the grill this summer.

3. Cut the Fat

If red meat or pork are included on your barbecue menu, you can still follow a few easy tips to make these options healthier. Choose loin or round cuts to ensure you get selections with the least amount of fat. Also, trim away any excess fat for a leaner dish.

4. Don’t Skip the Veggies

Grilling adds more flavor to vegetables. From zucchini and mushrooms to onions and peppers, you can enjoy a meat—and cholesterol—free lunch or dinner by making these your feature dish.

5. Avoid Oils

While you may be tempted to rub the meats or vegetables with oil before grilling, it’s better to use seasoning instead. Otherwise, consider using extra virgin olive oil, which contains more healthy fats as opposed to saturated ones.

6. Watch the Sodium

When choosing seasonings and marinades, check the sodium content of these selections. Condiments like soy, teriyaki, and barbecue sauce are often high in salt, so opt for low-sodium varieties or fat-free options, like Italian dressing.

Watching your heart health doesn’t mean skipping out on flavor. Follow the above tips when planning your next cookout and schedule regular checkups to catch problems early. DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ, offers cardiovascular services and care to the surrounding communities. The team has over 20 years of experience and treat a range of conditions using advanced techniques and tools. Visit the website to learn more about how they can assist with heart health, or call (201) 845-3535 today to make an appointment.