Thrill for the grill

For A Healthier Life – Grilling Is The Best Form Of Cooking

shrimp on skewers after marinade
Shrimp Skewered and Ready

For A Healthier Life Grilling Is The Best Form Of Cooking. Grilling does more than just give you great flavors. To help keep most main vitamins and minerals in place for proper nutrition, grill more often. Grilling allows you to have a life that is full of energy and health.

How Does Grilling Create a Healthier Lifestyle

Grilling helps add more flavor to most foods and will open your taste buds to wanting more great flavor. When you first bite into something that just came off the grill and that burst of flavor hits your taste buds it is almost magical. The flavors seem to be more robust and intense than when cooking inside.

Grilling helps not only by giving you great meals but help encouraging physical exercise with social interaction. This type of activity allows your immune system to be active, so you can fight certain types of irritants.

Children want and need to interact with their parents and other adults to help develop social skills in all settings, grilling gives them this opportunity. Often children will want to play, this gives you a great chance to interact with them. This will help build stronger relationships with those closest to you and help develop social skills that will be needed later in life. These can be times that you will not want to miss, they are overlooked by most.

Grilling Brings Out The Flavor

Smoked Pork Butt
Smoked Pork Shoulder

Regardless of the grill you use – food just tastes better. Once you learn the art of seasoning or marinades, your flavors should improve and the health benefits are many.

Grilled food has more health benefits for you than other types of cooking. Grilling will lock the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly. Grill often helps you maintain a healthy weight by balancing the nutrients your body needs to remain healthy.

As you learn to grill, your dependence upon oils, shortenings, and other flavor-enhancing additives is reduced. Spices and herbs have taken away your need for most of these. You have found that there is no longer excess oil in your food.

Since your food is not absorbing fats and oils, your food is more nutritious. This may lead to losing some weight. The good news is your heart will not have to work as hard and you are gaining more energy.

Let’s talk about some of the cooking methods used for grilling vegetables. Starting with vegetables, when you grill vegetables, the vitamins and minerals are locked in. This gives not only the full nutritional value but also enhances the flavor.

Keeping Your Food Moist While Grilling

For some people, keeping the food moist is difficult. There are some things you can do to change that problem.

There are some things you can do to keep your food moist when grilling. Much of it depends upon what you are grilling or smoking.

One of my favorite things to do when I am grilling vegetables is to use a grill topper or grill basket. With most grill baskets, you can flip them over so the opposite side can grill as quickly as the first side. This does two things. First, it allows your vegetables to cook somewhat faster without drying out. Secondly, it helps reduce the likelihood of your vegetables sticking to the grill.

Another option is to have a pan of water or juice underneath the vegetables, so they remain moist while cooking at the same time. Place the pan NEXT to the charcoal or burner to keep moisture in the grill.

Other people will wrap their vegetables in foil to help them cook. This allows you to place them on the upper rack since they will cook more slowly there. It may take a few times to get the length of time adjusted for the right cooking time.

I sometimes use apple juice as a moisturizer next to the charcoal, you may put it in a saucepan or small container that will hold up to the heat on a grill whether the grill is gas or charcoal. The flavor of your vegetables or meat will get an additional flavor they should be pleasing to you and your guests.

 

Seasonings Make For Healthier Living

spices for grilling
Favorite Spices for Grilling

Choosing the right seasonings for grilling is not that difficult. Most people use more salt than they need. Some of the reasoning, we are taught from an early age to put salt on everything.

People think extra salt is necessary. That was an opinion that stayed with me until I had open-heart surgery. Fortunately, the realization came with healing. I started to experiment with different seasonings and to my amazement food tasted better and was better for me.

As you learn about herbs and spices, you will find many will enhance your grilling or smoking better than salt and pepper. Salt and pepper have their uses but too often are overused.

Experiment with turmeric, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, fresh garlic, thyme, saffron, and basil. Each of these is popular in different parts of the world but is becoming more popular every day. The proper use of spices can significantly up your game when it comes to grilling. Others may give you their opinion about how you are not doing it their way, but that’s ok.

Finding the Right Method of Grilling Can Keep You Healthy

All people have different tastes, likes, and dislikes but the addition of different spices to your grilling also brings about more health benefits that you may be unaware of. Garlic, for example, is good for the heart. Turmeric is also good for the heart, while it helps stabilize blood sugar, cinnamon does something similar.

Grilling is healthier for you in ways that are not discussed at this time. There are many features of grilling that should you understand how healthy it is.

  • less fat in your diet
  • vitamins and minerals are retained not poured down the drain
  • can be used for weight loss under the right circumstances
  • use of spices and herbs can enhance the flavors
  • builds better communication with family and friends
  • can help lower blood pressure
  • can help control blood sugar with the use of the right spices

How you grill will have a direct impact on the health benefits of grilling. There are several ways to grill. You can sear, smoke, or slow cook without primarily smoking. For example, if you want to use a Dutch Oven on the grill for stews or another item that needs to simmer for long periods then you do not necessarily have to use smoke.

There are many techniques for grilling that don’t need high heat such as a sear. You could be roasting a chicken or possibly allowing vegetables to cook in foil to allow other items to finish so all items can be taken off the grill at one time.

You will be pleased when you grill at medium heat if you are grilling turkey, roast, or chicken. The temperature at this heat allows your food to cook evenly but not so fast that it does not cook internally.

Grilled Vegetables Are A Hit

Grilled Vegetables


Comments

22 responses to “For A Healthier Life – Grilling Is The Best Form Of Cooking”

  1. Joseph Avatar
    Joseph

    Man, you hit the point exactly in regards to grilling giving you control over your own health. I gave up fast food several years ago and had never really eaten vegetables in my life. I can not explain the joy I felt eating some of those veggies I had prepared myself and many of them on the grill like zucchini and squash. Have you ever tried to eat without salt? It is difficult if you’re used to using it but once you knock it out, you don’t miss it.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Joseph,

      Grilling can have a great effect upon living a healthy lifestyle. You receive more nutrition from the food you grill as well as getting a better flavor. I generally do not use very much salt since having too much salt in your diet is bad for your health. I compensate by using spices and herbs. There is salt of some form in most of them and you get more flavor and other healing properties from them.

      Jerry

  2. Jenny Hennig Avatar
    Jenny Hennig

    I want to add another benefit of grilling, it makes for less clean-up, Lol!  My husband loves to grill outside when the weather is nice, and I agree that the food just tastes so much better!  Meat has more flavour, and vegetables taste better too.  There are far fewer dishes to clean up after, which is a huge benefit to me.

    I love your tip of using apple juice to add moisture, I will have to try that out.  I’m sure it adds some really nice flavour.

    Thanks for sharing, after a long winter, it’s nice to finally get back outside to enjoy grill season.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      When you are preparing to grill, you should clean your vessels as you go. That way there is less cleanup after your grilling event. This way everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the occasion. The food tastes better and the fellowship is sweeter.

      I have found using apple juice not only keeps my meat moist but does add a sweet component to my flavor profile. It also helps tenderize the meat as it is grilling.

      Jerry

  3. Bojana Avatar
    Bojana

    Since I often make barbecues with my family and friends, I’m glad I read this text. You also gave very good advice on grilling food. It is healthier but also tastier. My favorite are grilled vegetables and of course mushrooms. The meat is also prepared with special spices and marinade before roasting.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Bojana,

      Grilling is not only fun but it is nutritious as well. I have been getting away from meat and going more to vegetables and fruits in the last couple of years. Mushrooms are a particular favorite of mine, especially when I grill them with onions. The proper use of spices can bring out the flavor of meat much easier than when the meat is cooked inside. Try grilling corn: this is my recipe for grilling corn. About an hour before your meat is done put your corn on the top rack of the grill. My version:

      clean your corn of husks and silk

      put on a sheet of aluminum foil that will cover the corn completely and seal

      butter on top of the corn, you may also want to put some chipotle chili powder on it as well

      seal the foil

      temperature on the grill should be no lower the 300 F

      grill for at least 30 minutes check for doneness if not fully cooked resume the process

      once the corn has finished  take out of foil and enjoy.

      Jerry

  4. Emmanuel Emmato Avatar
    Emmanuel Emmato

    Grilling is more convenient Grilling allows for a shorter amount of time when preparing meals compared to other methods such as frying or baking. A grill can cook food in a fraction of the time, making the method both expedient and convenient. When grilling, you also get to enjoy the outdoors instead of being confined in a kitchen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Emma,

      Grilling can take a shorter period of time to cook but it depends upon what is being cooked. For example, a brisket may take as long as 12 hours to smoke but the flavor is exceptional. I agree that you can enjoy the outdoors when grilling and it can help to build a better bond between family and friends.

      Jerry

  5. Isarc Woodson Avatar
    Isarc Woodson

    Wow what a great post this was. I love food but have recently decided to try and take a healthier route to my everyday cooking so this was the perfect post for me to see. You have the perfect combination between writing and pictures while keeping the pictures relevant to what your saying. All in all im a happy reader.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Isarc,

      Grilling has been around since the beginning of time. We have gotten away from it in the last couple of centuries and have lost a great deal of our ability of our bodies fighting off infections. This is due to most of the vitamins and minerals being poured down the drain. Grilling seals in those vitamins and minerals. You eat with your eyes first before you actually taste. I try to show at each stage what you should expect. Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Jerry

  6. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    I like this article and has opened my eyes to the way grilling is way better. I never knew that grilling keeps all the vitamins and minerals inside the meat, so that’s great to know especially if I am trying to look at what I eat. I agree with the fact that grilling brings out more flavour as I have found out when I have BBQs.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Michael,

      Grilling seals in the vitamins and minerals in meat as well as fruits and vegetables. As a result you get better nutrition that will help your body fight off most infections longer and give your body a chance to heal. You naturally have more flavor since the vitamins and minerals have been sealed in. You will get closer to a natural flavor with the grill.

      Jerry

  7. Jannette Avatar
    Jannette

    I have always wondered if grilling my food keeps the needed vitamins in or do they burn out! With your guide, I know grilling is important and am going to start grilling more often now after reading your guide. Especially a good steak and let be moist and tender without being undercooked.  Have booked marked your website and shared on social media.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Janette,

      I have always wondered about the claim about grilling being healthier than cooking in the kitchen. I was talking to my doctor a couple of years ago and was surprised by his admission that people who grill are some of his healthiest patients. He claimed that their cholesterol was lower and tended to have lower blood sugar if they grilled without the use of sugar in their marinades or rubs. I started to do some research and found this to be mostly true. Simple seasonings are often the best way to go but the flavors can be enhanced by using rubs or marinades with limited salt and sugar. The flavor profile just explodes with additional flavor.

      Jerry

  8. Reggie Avatar
    Reggie

    I have always loved grilling on the weekends with my family when I was younger. The fresh air, the conversations, family time, and of course the good food. I have missed that since I have moved out. I do sometimes visit on the weekends when  they are grilling. 

    I didn’t realize how much healthier it was to grill but it makes sense since the food isn’t sitting in oil or grease. I didn’t think about the fact the foods absorbs the fat and oils up. 

    You are right about the salt, I have or known people hat put was too much salt on. I have tried to cut back on salt and use other seasonings in things. I have found that the less salt I use the more flavor my food has. 

    Thank you!

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Reggie,

      I found that the overuse of salt contributed to problems with my heart about 20 years ago. My wife when she found out put me on a salt restricted diet at that point. Unfortunately, she did not start using different spices until I retired. I started adding different spices to the foods I grilled and the difference was worth noting. My wife now is experimenting with different spices to give us a new and exciting flavor for our meals. This has helped me achieve a better, healthier life.

      Jerry

  9. Leahrae Avatar
    Leahrae

    Everything tastes better grilled!  And summer is almost here so it’s that time for the grill.  I do have a grill that I move to the garage for the colder time of the year which really is pretty much not very often (I live in Florida).  I never thought about the fact that the food is healthier.  But steaks and chicken and ribs all seem to be moister and more tender.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Leahrae,

      Everything always tastes better on the grill. Since you live in Florida, you should be able to grill more often, even when it is cooler. This will enable you to enjoy the health benefits of the grill longer than just in the summertime. Grilling helps preserve the vitamins and minerals in your food to help you lead a healthier life. Steaks, chicken, ribs and shrimp always have a better flavor when grilled.

      Jerry

  10. LineCowley Avatar
    LineCowley

    My husband will light the fire to have a barbeque at every possible opportunity, and I love it. The smells coming from food cooking is just great, and it is great to know that it can be a healthier way of cooking, with less fat and oil being used. It also seems to make time spent in the kitchen much shorter, with time spent around the barbeque being more social. 

    We often do vegetable parcels, which is a lovely way of cooking the veggies wrapped in tin foil, on the grill. It retains the moisture and means far less cleaning up as well. Here’s to the next bbq. 

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      The aroma of food being grilled is one that most people agree is most satisfying. Some people are envious that you are having grilled food while they are not. The absence of fats due to grilling gives your food more flavor and helps it become more nutritious. The time spent in food prep may seem shorter since the food is grilled. The time the food is being grilled does make social interaction better and deeper.

      One of my favorite recipes for vegetables grilled is this:

      2 russet potatoes sliced  medium thickness

      1 tsp olive oil

      1 pkg ranch dressing mix( coat the potatoes until well coated)

      foil to use as a wrap

      place potatoes and oil in foil wrap and place on the grill.

      I normally have this on the grill at 350F for about 30 minutes.

      Check doneness. If not done to your liking place back on grill for additional cooking time.

      Serve and enjoy.

      Jerry

  11. Hello Jerry. Until now I was under the impression that grilling is not very healthy and I didn’t eat grilled food very often even I love it. You are right, grilled food is very tasteful, especially eating outside. And I have to agree with you on the herbs. When I cook, doesn’t matter what way, I always youse different kinds of herbs and a little salt. It is healthier and tastes better.

    1. Jerry McCoy Avatar
      Jerry McCoy

      Nat,

      Most people view grilling as not being healthy for you. Part of the reason for this is lack of proper information. Large companies sell the convenience of using their products, forgetting that less than 100 years ago most of our food was grilled in some form. This includes the use of cast iron which is very good for most people since it adds iron( a much need mineral) to our diet. 

      Food that is grilled has so much more flavor than conventional food. The aroma and flavor of grilled food makes one appreciate the food they consume much more. If people use more herbs and spices on their foods as they prepare it then they can avoid some of the more common health issues.

      Jerry

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