Tag Archives: grilling

Grilling Can Save Your Diet at Summer BBQs

By Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD, nutritionist for the Biggest Loser Resort.

As the weather warms up, you may find yourself attending many outdoor barbecues. The good news is grilling is a great way to prepare foods. It requires no water and has a short cooking time, two variables that can lead to nutrient loss. Water leaches vitamins from food and longer cooking times can destroy nutrients. The bad news is that grilled foods are often served with heavier dishes.

Here are some tips on how to lighten up your summer barbecues.

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4 Tasty Ways to Have Fruit for Dessert

If you’re like me and have a bit of a sweet tooth (especially in the evenings — oye!), it can be hard to find healthy, yet delicious desserts that both satisfy said sweet tooth and don’t require a culinary degree. That’s why lately, I’ve been eating fruit for a dessert! Now, bear with me, I know fruit may not seem like the most exciting dessert option, but when you know how to do it right, you really can make a fast, easy, healthy and tasty dessert that isn’t boring in the least!

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3 Ways to Squeeze in Summer Exercise

For school kids and teachers, it may seem like there is so much more time in the summer months, making it a perfect time to introduce a new habit (like daily physical activity) into your schedule. Yet, the summer months seem to fill up quickly with vacations, festivals, cookouts, events, and trips.

This weekend in Indianapolis, there wasn’t any way for me to physically make all the great community events. Beautiful weather entices us to spend time outdoors, but are we getting enough activity to keep us on track with our weight loss goals and balance the extra calories we encounter at festivals, cookouts, and summer drinks? Here are three ways you can squeeze exercise into your summer schedule:

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Does a Healthy Hot Dog Exist?

hot dogs grillingI’ve got kids. We spend lots of time at the pool, which means that we spend lots of time eating at summer time barbecues. For most of my kids, just like many children in America, this means one thing – hot dogs! There’s nothing more social than a cookout, and nothing more ubiquitous than hot dogs on the grill. Yummy, easy to cook, classic, and convenient to eat. But we all know (or should know!) that they aren’t the best choice for out daily intake. So I ask, is there a way to keep them in your diet and reduce the harm? Let’s take a look. (more…)

4 Flavors to Spice up Your July 4th Cookout

While most barbecue fare gets a bum rap for being loaded with fat, excess sodium and calories, this Fourth of July, why not grill up your favorite outdoor eats with calorie-free but super flavorful spices?

Recent research has shown that spices like turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper and countless others contain specific compounds that may help to stave off diseases. Here’s your guide to the best grilling spices to give your July 4th feast more nutritious flare!

turmeric powderTurmeric: Numerous studies have linked turmeric to reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and preventing and treating cancer cell growth. Curcumin, the substance in turmeric that gives it its trademark yellow color, is the magic compound behind most of these health benefits. To get the benefits of turmeric, add a few dashes to your Fourth of July potato or egg salad. (more…)

Healthy Recipes for Father’s Day Grilling

fathers day grillingSpend some truly quality time with your father this weekend and give him the gift of health with a cookout. This year, Father’s Day falls on the first official day of summer, giving you one more reason to get outside and grill! Whether you’re in the kitchen together chopping and dicing, or simply treating dad to a backyard lunch celebration, these grill recipes are sure to please.

Spicy Chai Grilled Chicken

Grilled Pork Roast

Cheeseburgers with Grilled Onions

Twice Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Grilled Salmon Burger

Caribbean Chicken Kabobs
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4 Healthier Burger Recipes for the 4th of July

Let’s celebrate our independence from fat, calories and all that other junk our bodies just do not need! Celebrate your freedom to choose delicious, satisfying foods that don’t wreck your diet, but rather support it. And, embrace your right as an American to fire up a grill on the 4th and enjoy the tempting burgers that rise from its flames. We hope you enjoy these four mouth-watering recipes for a variety of burgers (Beef, Chicken, Turkey and Veggie) you can savor during the holiday cookouts – and not worry about jeopardizing all your hard work! Happy 4th of July!


weight watchers cheeseburgerCheeseburger with Grilled Onions
It’s an American classic that is no stranger to your backyard grill, and its flavor only complimented by the smoky grilled onions. Choose lean ground beef, combine it with fresh garlic, oregano and low-fat cheddar cheese and you’re looking at 194 Calories, 6.7g Fat.


chicken burgersFeta Stuffed Chicken Burger
Sometimes, the healthier option yields a tastier meal. Your mouth is in for one heck of a fireworks show with this Mediterranean-influenced chicken burger. Blend ground chicken with fresh herbs, feta cheese and roasted red peppers, then serve in a warm bun or pita. Each one has 286 Calories, 18g Fat.


turkey burgerActually Delicious Turkey Burgers
What was nearly our feathered patriotic symbol is now the perfect dish for a lean cookout. You’ll want to gobble up every bite of these tender turkey burgers as you combine the ground turkey with fresh garlic and parsley. They’re just 208 Calories, 11g Fat.


veggie burgerVeggie Burgers
Exercise your right to vote this as one of the easiest and heartiest veggie burgers in the country. Ensure your vegetarian friends are enjoying the festivities and complimenting the chef when you serve these. They’re made with a blend of white kidney beans, egg, bread crumbs and fresh vegetables, for only 124 Calories, 5g Fat.

Get out and grill!

Just a few of our top recipe picks for the holiday. They promise to be tasty and take the guilt out of Memorial Weekend.

rosemary chickenGrilled Rosemary ChickenA savory, roasted flavor. 4 Weight Watchers Points, 194 Calories, 1g Carbs.

Grilled Pork Roast – Be patient with this one, that slow-cooked flavor is worth the wait. 5 Weight Watchers Points, 228 Calories, 0g Carbs.

red snapperGrilled Red Snapper with Herb Pesto – The bold pesto flavor is a perfect compliment. 4.5 Weight Watchers Points, 189 Calories, 7g Carbs. (more…)