For some families, cooking outdoors means a thick steak or ribs slathered with secret barbecue sauce. Others like to fire up the grill for hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages. If your family reaches for the charcoal, see if you can introduce them to some healthier foods that are delicious grilled. And serve up a green salad with herb vinaigrette to complete your healthy cookout. back to top

What healthy foods are good for grilling?
Lean meats like pork loin chop or tenderloin, skinless chicken breasts, beef eye round roast, flank or sirloin steak, and fish steaks like tuna, salmon, and swordfish, are all great for grilling. To enhance the flavor of meat, chicken, and fish, marinate them in wine vinegar and herbs, or lemon juice, honey, and spices. Or rub a mix of herbs and spices into the meat before cooking it. back to top

What if I don't eat meat?
Summer vegetables are great for grilling. You can help your family prepare skewers of bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Tomatoes taste great on the grill too. A little oil sprayed on the veggies will help keep them from sticking to the grill. Or wrap the veggies in foil and toss the package on the grill. Thinly sliced potatoes and onions taste great cooked in foil as well. To make your own meatless burger, grill a portobello mushroom cap or a thick slice of eggplant. Or give meat-free tofu hot dogs a try. back to top

What's a healthy dessert idea?
Think in color and build a summer berry parfait. Strawberries, blueberries, and a little low-fat frozen yogurt can complete your feast. If you've got to have pie, choose fresh fruit rather than cream filling and leave off the top crust to reduce the fat. back to top