By:  Carleton Rivers, RD

It’s finally June and the weather is warm, which means we have entered grilling season. This summer I encourage you to use the grill for more than just the typical hamburger or hotdog. Did you know that grilling is actually a great way to reduce fat in your meals? With a fresh new approach to grilling, cookouts no longer have to expand your waist line and ruin your diet.

Grilling Fruits and Veggies

Cooking Vegetables:

• Season with your favorite herbs
• Place directly on a hot grill and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender
• For steaming:
  • Place sliced vegetables on heavy-duty foil
  • Sprinkle with water and seasoning
  • Wrap up the foil and grill for 6-8 minutes

Cooking Fruit:

• Place fruit on kabobs
• Place fruit on the outside edges of the grill to achieve a more indirect type of heat
• Leave skin on softer fruit when grilling
• Spray fruit and grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking
• Grill over low heat until fruit is slightly golden and hot
• Allow fruit to cool before eating
  • Fruit contains a high level of water which can make grilled fruit very hot

My favorite fruits and vegetables to grill:

• Romaine lettuce for a grilled salad
• Bell peppers and onions
• Portabella mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Eggplant (drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice)
• Sliced watermelon, mangos, peaches, and pineapples
• Avocado
• Poblano peppers