5 tips for heart healthy grilling

Lisa Akly, RDN

Prisma Health Heart Hospital

As warmer weather arrives, so does grilling season, which is perfect for a heart healthy lifestyle. Lisa Akly, RD, shared five tips for healthier outdoor cooking this summer. 

1. Feast on fish. Think beyond the traditional burgers and hot dogs and try grilling some fish. Unlike high fat meats, fish is low in saturated fat. Salmon, lake trout and tuna are a few examples of fish that are high in omega3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart.
2. Grill fruits and vegetables. Squash, corn, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms and bell peppers are just some ideas of vegetables you can grill. Cut vegetables into pieces that will cook evenly. Grill fruits like apples, pears, peaches and pineapples, which hold their shape and texture well on the grill and make a tasty side dish or healthy dessert.
3. Enjoy it in a wrap. Lean proteins such as skinless poultry, beans and lentils, along with grilled fruits and vegetables, can be the makings of some creative, delicious and easy-to-transport wraps. Bump up your nutrition by trying wraps made from whole grain tortillas or lettuce varieties.  
4. Try savory and sweet sides. Try something new such as a mixed bean salad with diced bell peppers and/or corn with a flavorful vinaigrette. Add a hint of sweetness to your coleslaw with a touch of diced pineapple or include a refreshing fruit salad such as watermelon with hints of feta cheese and mint.
5. Modify traditional staples. Going for that traditional creamy macaroni or potato salad? You can reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories by replacing some of the mayonnaise with non-fat Greek yogurt. If making your own baked beans from scratch, you have control over the added sugar ingredients.