With the Bank Holiday in sight, many of you, including us here at The Fashion Visuals have been planning on having a BBQ (if only this weather improves!) but did you know that there are actually healthy alternatives to a sizzling BBQ meat feast? Forget about the high calorie and high fat burgers and sausages, take a look at these delicious substitutes;
Chicken kebabs are my favourites, they are easy to make and low in calories and fat. Chop up chicken breasts into small manageable pieces and stick them under the oven for a bit (to make sure they are properly cooked throughout). Then chop up onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, even pineapple and other fruits if you like, and pike them all through wooden skewers including the chicken. Then simply grill over the BBQ until the chicken is cooked and tender and the vegetables are roasted and charred around the edges. Delicious!
Jacket potatoes are one of the easiest things to cook on the BBQ. Simply wrap them in tin foil and place directly on the coals under the shelf and leave them for approx an hour, depending on size, whilst you cook the rest. Don’t worry if you have to wait for the rest – the potatoes will only improve with time! This is a fantastic and healthy alternative to chips.
If you’re a fan of fish then you will be happy to know you can make delicious fish right on the BBQ. Salmon is a good substitute for meat, and it is surprisingly easy to cook. Place a whole fillet onto a sheet of foil large enough to make a parcel. Slice half a lemon and layer over the top of the salmon, squeeze the other half over the fish, season and wrap the foil to make a generous parcel and refrigerate overnight (to allow the flavours to fuse). Cook on the barbeque for about 10 minutes – depending on thickness of fillet. This is delicious served with natural, low fat yoghurt, salad and crusty bread.
There is no better fresh drink to serve than ice cold water with fruit. If you prepare this the night before and put it in the fridge, the fruit will have enough time to give the water a lovely fresh fruit taste which is nutrient-rich. Many so called re-hydrating drinks contain artificial flavours, colours and ingredients that just aren’t healthy, this one however is 100% health inspired. You can also freeze some of your fruit and add them as colourful and healthy ice cubes.
Finally, what is a BBQ without dessert? Well, you can make a delicious and summery dessert which is healthy and just perfect to end the day with. Why not make up a bowl of fresh fruit salad and serve with low fat yoghurt, alternatively, whilst the charcoal is dying down, pop some bananas with their skins slightly opened and place bits of chocolate in the opening. Wrap them in tin foil and leave for about 10 minutes. When they are ready, you’ll have a delicious gooey chocolate and banana dessert! YUM!!
Enjoy your Bank Holiday and BBQs folks!