It would come as no surprise to hear Floridians cook out a lot!
One recent survey ranks Melbourne as the number one city in the country for grilling meat with Orlando coming in fifth!
July is National Grilling Month so a nutritionist shared timely advice on Tuesday’s Breakfast with Bridgett.
Jennifer Mazzaredo is a clinical nutrition specialist with Health First.
She says the main pitfalls of grilling are that the most popular foods tend to be highest in calories, fat and sodium.
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That’s why she recommends making a few health-conscious adjustments without sacrificing flavor.
Mazzaredo recommends opting for the freshest, leanest versions of your preferred meats and cutting out as much salt as possible.
That includes checking the labels of seasonings and marinades carefully. She recommends using salt-free seasonings and creating your own custom marinades.
Her favorite base ingredients for a marinade are citrus juices combined with salt-free seasonings, like onion or garlic powder, with a touch of sweetness added by way of ingredients like honey or molasses.
She says adjusting habits now with health and nutrition in mind helps prevent health conditions down the road that would force you into making major lifestyle changes.
Of course a wide variety of vegetables and fruits always grill up nicely for a colorful and nutritional addition to your grilling menu.
For more ideas and information of where to find the healthiest recipes, watch the full interview here.
Everyday we dish up something new on Breakfast with Bridgett. Wednesday morning, an expert will offer networking tips for introverts and those who experience social anxiety.
Catch Breakfast with Bridgett, every weekday morning at 7:30 on News 6 Plus.