The Sizzling Benefits of Healthy Grilling in the Summer

Introduction

Summer is the perfect time for backyard barbecues and sizzling grills. Discover how grilling can be a healthy cooking method when approached mindfully. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of healthy grilling and provide tips for incorporating it into a balanced and nutritious diet.

Reduced Fat Content

Grilling helps lower overall fat content by allowing excess fat to drip off the food. Research from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) indicates that grilling meats can be a healthier alternative to frying or deep-frying. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Food Science found that grilling chicken breast reduced its fat content by 50%, without compromising flavor and tenderness.

Retained Nutrients

Grilling vegetables and fruits helps preserve their natural nutrients better than boiling or steaming. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights a study showing that grilling certain vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, increases their antioxidant levels compared to other cooking methods. This is because grilling retains water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants like carotenoids.

Intensified Flavors

Grilling imparts a unique and smoky flavor to foods, enhancing their taste and reducing the need for excessive seasoning or sauces. The Journal of Food Science reveals that grilling enhances the overall sensory quality and palatability of various meats and vegetables. By using marinades or dry rubs with herbs and spices, you can further enhance flavors without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy ingredients.

Healthier Cooking Techniques

Grilling promotes healthier cooking by minimizing the need for added oils and fats. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, grilling allows you to cook foods without breading or batter, resulting in reduced calorie and fat intake. Additionally, excess fat drips away from the food while grilling, resulting in a leaner final product.

Conclusion

Grilling can offer numerous benefits when approached mindfully and with healthy ingredients. With reduced fat content, retained nutrients, intensified flavors, and healthier cooking techniques, it’s an enjoyable way to incorporate nutritious meals into your summer menu.

So, fire up the grill, savor the flavors, and embrace the healthy goodness of grilling this summer!

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Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon

  • Author: Mubarra Mansoor
  • Total Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Yield: 1
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Here’s a delicious and nutritious recipe to get you started on your grilling adventure. This one-portion delight is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal:


Ingredients

  • Salmon fillet: 150 grams
  • Lemon juice: 15 grams (juice from approximately half a lemon)
  • Olive oil: 10 grams
  • Garlic cloves: 5 grams (1 clove)
  • Fresh parsley: 5 grams (a small handful)
  • Fresh dill: 5 grams (a small handful)
  • Salt: 2 grams
  • Black pepper: 1 gram

These measurements are approximate and can be adjusted according to personal preference.


Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the salmon fillet on a sheet of aluminum foil.
  4. Brush the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  5. Wrap the salmon tightly in the foil, creating a packet.
  6. Place the foil packet on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked to your liking.
  7. Carefully remove the foil packet from the grill and let it rest for a minute before unwrapping.
  8. Serve your flavorful grilled salmon with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Conclusion: Embrace the sizzling benefits of healthy grilling this summer. Reduce fat content, retain essential nutrients, intensify flavors, and explore a world of delicious possibilities. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and create mouthwatering meals that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Happy grilling!



Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g

 

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Stress and Digestion: How they are connected and what you can do about it

Title: Stress and Digestion: Managing Stress for a Healthy Gut

Introduction

Stress affects more than just our mental well-being; it can also impact our digestive system. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between stress and digestion and provide practical tips for managing stress to support a healthier gut.

Understanding the Stress-Digestion Connection

Image Source: Photo by Christopher Oswald, DC, CNS. Retrieved from integrativepro.com

When we experience stress, cortisol—the fight-or-flight hormone—gets released, which can hinder digestion. Reduced blood flow to the digestive tract and inflammation can cause digestive problems like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Additionally, stress can disrupt the balance of our gut microbiome, leading to various health issues.

Effective Stress-Management Strategies for Improved Digestion:

  1. Embrace Relaxation Techniques: Engage in deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to combat stress and improve digestion. These practices calm the mind and body, lower stress hormone levels, and promote optimal digestion.
  2. Prioritize Exercise: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
  3. Focus on Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for stress management and overall well-being. Strive for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support digestion and reduce stress.
  4. Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Diet: A nutritious diet plays a vital role in supporting gut health and reducing inflammation. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals, while limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat meals.

Conclusion

Managing stress is essential for maintaining good digestive health. By implementing relaxation techniques, prioritizing exercise and quality sleep, and following a healthy diet, you can effectively manage stress and support a healthier gut.

At FoodnWellness, we recognize the crucial link between stress and digestion. Our personalized programs integrate stress management techniques, providing tailored nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for optimal gut health and overall wellness. Prioritize your well-being by addressing stress and improving digestion for a happier, healthier you.

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Beetroot Juice as a Pre-Exercise Snack

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Beetroot Juice as a Pre-Exercise Snack

  • Author: Mubarra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Beetroot juice is an excellent pre-exercise snack because it is high in essential vitamins and minerals, which provide an energy boost and improve physical performance. Beetroots are high in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body and help increase blood flow, resulting in better oxygen delivery to the muscles and less fatigue. Beetroots are also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to reduce muscle damage and promote recovery. 

You’ll be able to perform better and reap the benefits of beetroot juice if you drink it before exercise. So, the next time you hit the gym or go for a run, try this tasty and nutritious pre-workout drink!


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized Beetroot
  • 1 medium-sized Apple
  • 1/2 medium-sized Carrot
  • 1/2 inch Ginger
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel the beetroot, apple, carrot, and ginger.
  2. Cut them into small pieces and add them to a blender.
  3. Squeeze the lemon and add the juice to the blender.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of water to the blender.
  5. Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
  6. Ideally, drink the juice unstrained. However, initially, to get started, you can strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp.
  7. Serve immediately or store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

Other ingredients such as Spinach leaves, Black Pepper, Turmeric etc can be added to boost the benefits.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 60
  • Fat: 0.25g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.5g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Protein: 1g



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corporate wellness dietitian

When do we consult a Nutritionist & Dietitian

You’re overweight but healthy.

If you’re technically overweight, but your physician says you’re healthy, the question is: How do you feel about yourself? If you’re happy with the way you look and feel, then don’t call a dietitian. But if you’re not happy with your image in the mirror, consider calling someone who can help you lose weight in a healthy manner.

You’re underweight and want to gain weight.

Gaining weight in a healthy manner can be difficult, and You don’t want to simply load up on bad fats, sugars and empty calories. If you don’t know how to gain weight in a healthy way, consider seeing a dietitian. She can show you how to incorporate healthy fats and nutrient-dense, high-quality foods to encourage healthy weight gain that will keep you energized.

Want to lose weight in a healthy manner.

There are plethora of weight loss tools available on the internet and some fad diets like low carb etc etc to get to optimum weight. If the above have not worked for you, its time to see a dietitian to help you reach your goals with a customized plan.

You’re working out, but not seeing results.

A lot of men/ women work out every day but don’t know how to fuel their bodies properly, which means they won’t see optimal results, like weight loss or increased muscle tone. If you’re not seeing results from exercise and you’re eating healthily, call a dietitian/nutritionist to find out what you’re missing in your diet.

Recently been diagnosed with a food allergy, sensitivity or other related medical condition.

Most doctors don’t give enough nutritional information to show you how to live a full life with a newly diagnosed food allergy or sensitivity. Gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or lactose intolerance, thyroid disorder are very common. A dietitian/nutritionist can show you how to incorporate new foods and substitutes into your lifestyle so you can be healthy and eat well, even within a restricted diet.

You’re pregnant.

If you’re pregnant and feel like you don’t have a good sense about how to eat well or properly nourish yourself, consider seeing a dietitian. If you gain too much weight during pregnancy, you’re at risk for developing gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, which can be dangerous. Many women feel like pregnancy is an excuse to go to town and eat loads of junk, but trust me, If you gain 20-30 kilos instead of 10-15, it will be even more of a struggle to lose that weight after the baby is born.

You’re having fertility issues.

If you’re not in optimal health, it could affect your fertility. If you don’t feel healthy or eat well, and you’re experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, consider calling a dietitian to learn how to better nourish yourself.

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