Community Corner

Meatless Options for the Grill

If you plan on grilling for the holiday week, try these meatless options.

 

Grilling season is here, and that means many households are loading up on steaks, burgers, and hot dogs. But for those who don’t eat meat, or don’t want to eat meat every time they grill, outdoor cookouts can be a disappointing repeat loop of soggy veggie dogs or dried-out veggie burgers.

According to dietitian Gloria Tsang, founder of nutrition network HealthCastle.com and author of Go UnDiet: 50 Small Actions for Lasting Weight Loss, there’s no reason meat has to get all the glory when it comes to hitting the grill.

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"There are plenty of non-meat grilling options that can extend the joy of grilling to non-meat eaters," Tsang said. "For those who tend to grill every night all summer long, they also provide a nice respite from grill-induced meat overload."

Here are HealthCastle.com’s top picks for non-meat grilling options:

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  1. Veggie skewers: Brush mushrooms or eggplant with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, and alternate with peppers, onions, and even some pineapple.
  2. Portobello mushroom: Try brushing it with garlic and olive oil, or marinating it in balsamic vinegar or any marinade you'd use for steak.
  3. Tofu: Extra-firm tofu dipped in egg, coated with a thin layer of breadcrumbs, and grilled is anything but bland. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center, it’s truly delicious.
  4. Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese, fold in half, and grill a couple of minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crunchy with grill marks.
  5. Fish and salsa: Grilled white fish like mahi mahi or cod becomes sublime when topped with a fresh fruit salsa with a pineapple or mango base.

Whether trying to please non-meat eaters or just looking to add some variety to your grilling repertoire, these non-meat grilling suggestions beat the veggie burger and veggie dog, hands down. More simple, small achievable actions to reclaim health are available on HealthCastle.com.


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