5 Ways BBQ may be Healthier Than you Think

pulled pork sandwich moe's original bbq

When asked, what is that mouth-watering sauce that people just can’t get enough of on their grilled meats, fried chickens, wings, and so much more? What is that popular cooking technique that accompanies outdoor gatherings on nice, hot days? Indeed, it is the beloved barbecue (BBQ)!

Along with the joy one can feel while eating BBQ foods, some common concerns probably arise. One might worry that it may not be good for his or her diet, that it couldn’t possibly fit in the category of “healthy eating.” Now is the time for these concerns to be debunked!

With the proper techniques and planning, this beloved sauce and technique can easily become a part of a healthy, balanced diet:

1. BBQ already has some health benefits.
With a base of tomato sauce and vinegar, then flavored with various seasonings, barbecue sauce is inevitably packed with nutrition. BBQ sauce contains lipid-protecting Vitamin E, and cell-protectors Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also a great immune system booster and Vitamin A can regulate thyroid hormones and promote healthy eyes!

2. Balance out the meal with complimentary vegetables.
A major part of healthy eating is to have balanced meals. Often times, while eating BBQ, people may skimp on the vegetables and only cook meat.

Even for meat-lovers who are not so fond of vegetables, adding in some vegetables to the grill can be beneficial as the vegetables complement and contrast with the meat.

Some great ways to integrate vegetables into your BBQ’s are:

  • Throw onions wrapped in tin foil on the grill, for some moist, juicy onions. When served, it will drip on to the meat and create an incredible blend of flavor.
  • Prepare seasoned vegetable kebabs with vegetables of choice; bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes are just a few options.
  • Grilled corn on the cob! Tip: For young children or easier eating, bring something to de-kernel the corn.

3. Cook with lower temperatures to ensure healthier food.
Although it may take longer to cook the meat, the end result of cooking with lower heat is meat with much less of what one does not want and more of what one does want!

When cooking with higher heats, there is much more potential for heterocyclic amines, or HCAs to form, which are chemicals that form when meat is cooked at high temperatures. These chemicals have some potential health risks, and cooking at lower heat will greatly reduce that while increasing the flavor of the food!

Cooking at a lower heat will also result in a juicier, less overdone meat which is good for the taste-buds!

4. Pick healthier cuts of meat.
A great way to have a healthy BBQ is to be mindful in choosing the types and cuts of meat. Fresh meats are a much better option than processed meats. Consider choosing leaner cuts of meat to reduce the fat.

5. When marinating, less is more.
Save on the calories, time, and money by marinating in less sauce for less time. Doing so allows for the sauces to retain more of their antioxidants. A few hour of marinating will suffice.

One can still brush on a few strokes of BBQ sauce to add an extra touch of flavor and antioxidants at the end.

Needless to say, BBQ is a wonderful way to cook flavorful and healthy food. Guiltlessly grab a bottle BBQ sauce and grill away! Don’t feel like putting in the work right now? Moe’s Original BBQ in Franklin, Tennessee specializes in BBQ foods in which one can get all greatness without putting in the work!

This article is brought to you by Moe’s Original Bar B Que. Find Moe’s at 901 Columbia Ave and 9050 Carothers Pkwy #9050, both in Franklin. Moe’s Original Bar B Que features award-winning Bama-style pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey and chicken smoked over hardwood served with two unique sauces in addition to Catfish and a Shrimp Moe-Boy sandwich, and 8-10 traditional Southern sides to choose from.See their menu here.