Traditionally, meal prep has always started and ended in the kitchen. While you may have gotten used to baking and sautéing inside every Sunday night, taking your meal prep outdoors can do the mind and body some good. By strategically planning out your weekly menu, equipping yourself with the right tools, and setting aside some time, you can take everything you’ve learned about meal prepping in the kitchen and apply it to the grill. Here are a few ways to make the most out of your outdoor meal prep:
Buy Lean Protein
While having a variety of nutrient-dense vegetables present is key to achieving your goals, so is choosing lean cuts of meat. When it comes to choosing protein, opt for leaner cuts of meat such as fillets or pork tenderloins, healthier fish options like salmon or tilapia, and go for chicken breasts over wings. For hamburger meat, choose at least 93 percent lean or higher.
Grill a Variety of Veggies
There’s almost no limit to what kinds of vegetables you can throw on the grill. While traditional starchy vegetables such as corn are delicious on the grill, having a variety of different types of veggies like onions, mushrooms, and broccoli provide more nutritional value and antioxidants.
Wrap Food in Foil Pouches
Wrapping your food in a foil pouch before placing it on the grill is a common practice that helps the barbecue retain its natural moisture, while also making cook times shorter and more predictable. This method is especially beneficial for different types of meats and grilled vegetables.
To create a foil pouch, fold the sides of your aluminum foil over the food. Try to keep everything compact – this will help create heat through the center of the pouch. Then, take the foil pouch and place it on your gas grill over indirect heat. Cook times will vary depending on the type of food being grilled.
Have Separate Utensils for Raw Meat
It’s easy to become overwhelmed preparing large amounts of food at one time, but it’s important to be mindful of how the meat is being handled throughout the grilling process. Reduce the risk of cross contamination from uncooked and cooked meats by using separate plates and utensils.
Invest in an Outdoor Griddle
Much like a traditional grill, outdoor griddles allow you to cook a variety of items in one go. The biggest advantage of a flat top griddle is that it lets you cook an even wider variety of foods, such as pancakes, French toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, and anything else that you would normally cook on a frying pan. Griddles with a large surface area give you the ability to meal prep your breakfast, lunch, and dinner – all on one easy to use surface.
Find Healthy Grilling Recipes That You Like
Eating healthy doesn’t have to suck. And if you’re meal prepping on the grill, it doesn’t take much to make your healthier food options taste delicious. Find grilling recipes that work for you and your goals. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, and everything in between, you can visit our recipes page to find meal ideas for any lifestyle or occasion.
Published: 2019.12.30