Tag Archives: grilling

Fire Up the Grill for Bayou Kabobs, Featuring Applegate Andouille Sausage

Warm up the grill and your taste buds because this new recipe is going to light a fire under your next cookout! Some are lucky enough to spend a summer along the Gulf Coast soaking up the sun, and waves, and the dynamic culture that defines the region. Some of us have to phone in a good ‘ole Cajun cookout from our backyards. Whether you’re summering in the South or in the North, these Bayou Kabobs need to be on the menu.

The big flavor on these simple-to-assemble kabobs are the Andouille sausages from Applegate. Known as the makers of the “cleaner weiner,” this company is committed to organic, hormone-free, humanely-raised animals to craft quality meats you can feel good about eating and serving.

These Andouille sausages are made with only a few ingredients – all of which you’ll recognize, all of which are organic. Because Applegate uses turkey and chicken, the meat is leaner, meaning less fat and calories. But they don’t skimp on flavor. The package says spicy and they mean it. It’s not overwhelming, might not make you sweat, but it’s got a tasty bite. (more…)

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Natalie K

Jalapeno Cheddar Burger Bite Kabobs Mark the Unofficial Start to Summer

Happy Memorial Day! As we grill our way through this holiday, we (un)officially kick-off summer. The air is filled with charcoal, bug spray, sunblock, and fresh-cut grass and frankly, I’m not mad about a single one of those scents.

Americans are mostly grilling beef today. According to Purdue research, Memorial Day is the largest beef consumption day of the year. Surely none of us are surprised by that. So if you’re going to bite in to a burger this holiday, or any other day this summer, we say be as conscientious about it as possible.

This year, we’re making beef our side item and letting our fresh, healthy sides be the star of the cookout. With these Jalapeño Cheddar Burger Bites, everyone gets the juicy meat they don’t think they can host a barbecue without while filling up on more of the fruit and vegetable side dishes they’re usually too full to enjoy.

We made these bite-sized burger kabobs with organic ground beef by Suzy Sirloin, a reliable source of natural beef products. Recently they made available an organic product, raised right int he US without antibiotics or growth hormones. Suzy Sirloin’s cows are fed only certified organic grass and grains, and they are USDA Organic certified. Best of all, the organic beef is juicy and full of that big flavor you expect from a burger. (more…)

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Natalie K

Calories in the Most Popular Grilled Meats with 14 Healthy Recipe Alternatives

Grills across the country will fire up this weekend for the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day is the the most popular day for beef consumption in the U.S., followed by Fourth of July and Labor Day (according to Purdue). No real surprise there, but did you know it’s also one of the highest-calorie meats we grill?

We’re not telling anyone how they should eat this weekend. After all, Memorial Day is a celebration. We are making a few suggestions, though, for enjoying this food-focused weekend without having to beat the bloat come Tuesday morning. (more…)

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Health Buzz

Guy Fieri’s Year-Round Healthy Indoor Grilling is What The Doctors Order

Tune in September 20 while The Doctors wrap up summer by bringing you healthy summer habits for all year round. Guy Fieri shows easy tips to grill healthy foods indoors and brings three recipes for everyone to try. Dr. Ordon reveals a non-invasive tummy tightening treatment, and The Doctors talk about a new weight loss drug.

Fieri, a celebrity from Food Network, has hosted several top-rated cooking shows, including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Tailgate Warriors, and as a guest judge on Food Network Star. (more…)

Posted on September 18, 2023 by SarahS

5 Satisfying Summer Food Swaps to Maintain Your Bikini Figure

School bells are ringing, but summer isn’t over just yet. The weekend air will still fill up with the scent of barbeques and many tables will be set with traditional summer fare at least through the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Yes, bikini season is coming closer to an end but there’s no reason to let all that hard work go to waste as you dine in these last few weeks of summer.

If you haven’t already tackled our Summer Food Bucket List, considering taking advantage of a few healthy food swaps that will allow you to enjoy the best flavors of this season before they’re long gone! These great switch-ups will help you cut the calories, bulk up on nutrition, all while keeping great summertime food on the table.

Guacamole Give-in

Try swapping traditional guacamole and tortilla chips for edamame guacamole with lentil chips, a great idea we found at HuffPo. Instead of using avocado for a traditional guac, use edamame (soy) beans to give the added bonus of protein and still a great flavor. Lentil chips are much higher in fiber than a corn chip and will fill you up faster, so you’ll need less to be satisfied. (more…)

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Lacy

The Best Summer Taco Dinner: BBQ Chicken Tacos with Avocado Coleslaw and Raspberry Serrano Sangria

Recently, on a time-crunched work day, inspiration struck when a craving for tacos found a lone breast of BBQ-rubbed chicken in the freezer. I wasn’t quite sure how to make the barbecue spice meld with a classic taco, but I was hungry enough to make it work. I let the chicken thaw during the day and by the time I came home from work I had a plan.

The usual tomatoes, black beans, and peppers were not going to make this bird fly; I had to use the traditional barbecue as my muse. That’s when I decided a coleslaw topping would bring these little tacos together perfectly.

So there I was, on a random Tuesday night, throwing together a simple dinner (less than 30 minutes) that was not only super healthy, but about to be pretty darn good. It was so good my family has requested it weekly all summer, and each time I oblige I’m able to fine tune the recipe to the point that I’m ready to share it with all of you. (more…)

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Natalie K

Our Healthiest (and BEST) July 4th Cookout Recipes

Fourth of July is tomorrow and everyone is looking forward to having their Wednesday off! I’ve always loved Fourth of July because my big family gets together for one day to enjoy each other’s company. And who doesn’t love getting together to eat? Everyone is just happy for one day. However, after the holiday, like a lot of people, I’m not so happy because I tend to overeat at the family BBQ.

Yes, I could have eaten less… or my family could have put more healthy plates on the table. Don’t regret the holiday food this year. We can help you ditch the regret and enjoy the holiday with these healthy cookout recipes developed by our team of foodies.

Picnic Perfect Red and Sweet Potato Salad

The Red and Sweet Potato Salad is light and tasty, and healthier than a traditional potato salad with only 92 calories.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers

Go meatless for the Fourth this year. If most of the people at your party are vegans or vegetarians, or just reducing meat, then the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers won’t disappoint.

Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey Burger Sliders

Nothing says Fourth of July like red, white, and blue. These turkey burger sliders are inspired by the patriotic colors of summer. Instead of ground beef the recipe calls for turkey, red bell peppers, and feta crumbles all topped with a blueberry balsamic reduction.

A Simple Red, White, and Blue Sangria Recipe

What’s Fourth of July without a little cocktail? The berries sweetened the wine and will make anyone want more than one glass of sangria. This sangria is simple and easy to make, and it’s going to wow any crowd at the cookout!

Triple Berry Sparkers are the Perfect Cool Down This 4th of July

For the non-drinkers, and especially the little ones, these sparkling, colorful drinks are hydrating, nutritious, and low in calories. Puree berries for ice cubes and add to your choice of ice cold Perrier.

Chocolate Banana Popsicles

Ditch those stale popsicles from the store and whip up a batch of Chocolate Banana Popsicles. They are half the calories and scrumptious as well, plus loaded with good-for-you nutrients that a traditional frozen treat can’t offer. There are 11 more summer popsicle ideas over at Care2.com.

all images by Dana Shultz

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Samantha

Empty Calories Comic: Don’t Cry Over Grilled Veggies

See more Empty Calories right here in the blog and look for new episodes each month.

Also Read:

Pack a Healthy Father’s Day Picnic

6 Foods You Aren’t Grilling but Should

Simple Summer Burger Guide for Healthier Grilling

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Health Buzz

5 Healthy Habits for Hot Summer Days

By Rachel Berman, RD, Csr, Cdn for Calorie Count

As summer rolls in everyone wants to take full advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. This year, make the most of your summer by focusing on simple, healthy activities that you can do every day of the week!

Get moving together with your friends or family every evening for a walk, jog, or bike ride. This is a great way to enjoy the weather, have some bonding time with your loved ones, and get your exercise in. Working out with others will motivate you and keep you accountable, too. On the weekends, head to the local pool for a great full body workout.

Take a trip to the farmers market and check out what’s in season. You’ll be surprised at the vast variety of fruits and vegetables available, and each week you’ll find something new. Because this produce is recently harvested it will be more fresh and nutritious than produce from the supermarket. Buying from the farmers market also supports the community and local farmers! (more…)

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Calorie_Count

Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey Burger Sliders Recipe for Summer Cookouts

I’m a pretty all-American girl, I like to think. I love running around barefoot in the summer, classic rock ‘n roll, a hot grill, and cool drinks. Summer is my season and I, admittedly, love to eat and drink my way through it.

I also, admittedly, like to remain relatively close to the same size at the end of the summer as I am at the start of the summer. That means a few trade offs. I (mostly) gave up beef burgers years ago. Turkey is where it’s at now. And I say this as a pretty picky eater. If I can be sold on a turkey burger, the rest of you should already be on this train.

With Memorial Day unofficially kicking off the summer this weekend, I’m ready to enjoy everything I love about the warm days ahead, minus a few unnecessary calories. So I hope you’ll join me in devouring a few of my Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey Burger Sliders.

The great thing about sliders is the automatic portion control. One or two of these little guys is all I need, and I still have plenty of room on my plate (and calories) for corn on the cob, potato salad, grilled fruit, and maybe even a little ice cream. I found the whole wheat slider buns at Kroger, but even small dinner rolls will work. (more…)

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Natalie K

Simple Summer Burger Guide for Healthier Cookouts

We’re still a full month away from the first day of summer, but the season unofficially starts this weekend with Memorial Day. Gas and charcoal grills the nation over are primed and ready to fire up the best warm-weather eats. But are you ready for what’s about to be dished out?

The grill can be a friend and a foe. Rather than deep- or pan-frying, you can grill for better flavor and far less calories and fat. However, depending on the cut of meat, how you dress it after, and even how you prepare it to cook can turn perfectly healthy foods in to calorie bombs. Follow our simple guide for healthier cookouts and you won’t have anything to regret by summer’s end.

Grill a Better Burger.

If you can’t bare to part with beef then select the leanest cut you can find. A 93/7 ground beef is pretty widely available and will still hold up on the grill. If you’re buying local meat, be sure to specifically request lean cuts. (more…)

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Natalie K

Tag Archives: grilling

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