Protein is great – but make sure it’s lean. Pork is quite popular, but it is one of the fattier meats that you can serve. Instead, go for choices that are lower in cholesterol and fat, like chicken or turkey.  With these meats, you get the tender flavor of the grill without the necessary addition of barbecue sauce, which brings extra calories and sugar.  Take the skin off if possible, since that helps save you from the unhealthy aspects of the meat. If you must go the pork or steak route, though, that’s fine – just remember to keep your portions smaller. Find the right grill to cook on with BroBBQ.

Veggies, veggies, and more veggies! You can cook just about any vegetable on the grill and make it taste excellent, or serve them raw, steamed, or cooked. You can’t lose. Grilled corn on the cob, asparagus, and cauliflower are crowd favorites, and you can always find recipes to kick them up and make them loaded (more flavor, but not always healthier).  

Mix them together and make kebabs. Grilled kebabs are also party pleasers, but pairing the right meats and vegetables can make or break the meal. You can mix and match cubed, ground, and sliced meats and veggies. Beef can be difficult to cook on a kebab, but it can be done if you are careful.  Chicken, seafood, and pork are commonly done relatively easy. The magic is in the marinade, so plan ahead. The right veggie mixed with the right meat can increase the flavor to a chef’s masterpiece.  Many people use veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, and onions. You can also substitute fruits like mango, peaches, and pineapples.

Speaking of fruits, serve them up, too! Chop them up and serve them fresh, or grill them for a culinary experience, but fruits are a must-have for your summer BBQ. Grillable fruits like apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, peaches, and pineapples have lots of healthy recipes that you can use to provide a little panache to your party menu. Use fruits that are in season for your area to make sure they are extra flavorful and juicy, but try not to pair them with added sugar in your recipe, since fruits are full of natural sugars themselves.

To potato, or not to potato? Many people shy away from these yummy foods because they are high in carbs, but don’t turn your nose down just yet. Potatoes are actually packed with potassium and fiber, as well as other nutritional musts, so they actually make the healthy list. Bake them, grill them, steam them, but be careful what you load them with.  The toppings can make the difference between a healthy meal and junk. If you must include sour cream, butter, and cheese (think: protein and calcium) then offer these options in small serving sizes on the side. Whatever your recipes are, and however you choose to cook the food, make sure these five ingredients are on your list for an epic summer BBQ that your guests will rave about for years.