BBQ’n Season is Here!

With the sunshine, comes the irresistible smell of burgers sizzling on the BBQ! When it comes to being bbq-savvy, here are a few tips to keep your food safe & healthy!

Food Safety 101:

• At the grocery store, buy cold foods like meat & poultry last! Separate raw meat and poultry from other foods in your shopping cart to avoid cross-contamination. This can happen when raw meat or poultry juices drip on other food!
• Avoid the “Danger Zone” for food borne bacteria (4C-60C)! Keeping food below 4C (i.e. in your fridge) or above 60C (i.e. while cooking) will reduce the risk of food borne illness. Counter top thawing, leaving cooked foods out to “cool” are both examples of leaving foods within the Danger Zone of 4-60C! (Bacteria love the danger zone….ewwww)
• Be CLEAN! Wash your hands! Keep your surfaces clean! Keep cooked foods away from raw foods!
• Cook thoroughly! A meat thermometer is an easy way to ensure large cuts of meat are done to a proper internal temp! Avoid cooking at high temperatures and charring your meat, as the black charred have been linked as carcinogenic substances.

BBQ’n Healthy Favorites!

Barbequed meals don’t have to be the cause of an expanding waistline! BBQs provide a great grill for lean proteins, vegetables, fruit and even complex carbohydrates!

Tips to Remember:

• Choose lean or extra lean cuts of meats! Remove the skin from chicken breasts, make your hamburgers from extra lean ground beef and grill heart healthy fish like salmon!
• Experiment with vegetables on the grill! In kebob form or in a BBQ wok, grilled vegetables are a great way to mix up the salad routine! Asparagus, sweet potato and peppers are a few of my favs!
• Choose whole grain sides to go with your BBQ meats! Focus on whole grain buns (available in both hot-dog and hamburger styles), quinoa salads and sweet potatoes to round out your nutritious meal!
• Watch the “extras!” Choose mustards, salsas or low-fat versions for condiments (i.e. sour cream). The liquid calories also should be considered! Opt for light beer or red wine and remember the moderation principle!

 Need some inspiration? Try out this super simple recipe (http://www.canadianliving.com/food/bbq_asparagus.php)