It\u2019s summertime, and the sun may or may not be (probably) shining. You\u2019ve got some protein ice cream chilling in your freezer and it seems the only logical thing to do is to have a barbecue. But what seems on the face of it like a healthy meal can also be a minefield of fats and carbs. From avoiding the potato salad to dodging the burger buns, here’s the BULK POWDERS\u2122 guide to a healthy and protein filled barbecue feast!<\/p>\n
Salads should be the healthiest of dishes, but mayonnaise laden potato salad and coleslaw can be misleading. Try a healthy mayo alternative dressing for your (sweet) potato salad like low fat yoghurt and cr\u00e8me fraiche, or create a dressing from lemon juice, honey and olive oil for a low-fat slaw.<\/p>\n
Salads don\u2019t have to be boring either. They can not only be delicious but also full of nutrients, minerals and fibre. A three bean salad containing green beans, cannellini beans and kidney beans is not only low in fat and high in fibre but also high in protein.<\/p>\n
Using raw spinach leaves in your salad also ups the nutritional value. Spinach is high in zinc, fibre, calcium, vitamins A, B6, C, and K, and is a great source of iron. Top your salad with walnuts<\/a>, almonds<\/a> and sunflower seeds<\/a> to add texture, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids.<\/p>\n As barbecuing won\u2019t add calories to your food, it’s a great way of cooking. The smoky flavour that comes from cooking over coals can make even plain grilled chicken exciting. But why not add a bit of seasoning or a marinade too – fresh herbs, lemon juice, mustard or chillies are all great ways of adding extra flavour.<\/p>\n Making your own kebabs is easy to do – just alternate threading chunks of your chosen meat (we like chicken breast) onto a skewer with fresh veggies like red onion, mushrooms, peppers, courgettes and cherry tomatoes. You could even add more protein by using prawns, halloumi or chorizo too.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling adventurous then you could try fruit – pineapple works well. And if you’re missing carbs then add slices of butternut squash or sweet potato along with your meat and veggies to make your kebabs extra filling.<\/p>\n Although you might think of pork as being a very fatty meat, there are certain cuts that are much better for you than others. A lean pork chop is great to throw on a barbecue, and can be leaner than a chicken thigh. Be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking and brush with a homemade paleo barbecue sauce.<\/p>\n When you think of a burger you probably imagine a fatty fast food burger, or perhaps a bland supermarket brand burger – so making your own burgers is a great alternative. Choose either a lean beef mince or minced turkey, add onion, bread crumbs, oregano, chilli, cumin and coriander and bind using liquid egg whites<\/a> if needed.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve written before about the effects of alcohol and training<\/a>, but there\u2019s something about a hot, sunny day that just cries out for a beer or a cocktail to accompany your barbecue. So when drinking with friends in the sunshine, remember a couple of things:<\/p>\nBe creative<\/h3>\n
Things taste better on skewers<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid of pork<\/h3>\n
Alternative burgers<\/h3>\n
Drink sensibly<\/h3>\n