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Fortunately the weather is beginning to get nicer. Take advantage of the weather and go outside and get some fresh air!

Grilling outside is a great way to have fun with cooking healthy, enjoy variety with food and also gives you the opportunity to have a mini cookout with who you are quarantining with. Making sure you enjoy cooking meals is a great way to maintain a balanced diet during this difficult time. Getting takeout isn’t always available and cooking your own meals with healthy ingredients is often much better for a balanced diet.

Benefits of grilling:

  • Less time consuming
  • Adds variety and flavor
  • Able to cook in nice weather instead of being stuck inside
  • Less to clean up after cooking
  • Able to cook in large batches
  • Removes less vitamins and minerals when grilling

Note to be cautious with charring foods on the grill, especially meats as the chemical compounds that are created from charring have been associated with higher cancer risk.

It is also important to remember you’re fully cooking everything you put on the grill to avoid foodborne illnesses. To prevent exposure to harmful bacterial, be sure to cook proteins to appropriate internal temperature.1

  • Poultry: 165°F
  • Beef and other meats: 155-160°F
  • Fish: 145°F

Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewer Recipe

  • In a large bowl, combine and then stir:
    1 tbsp. olive oil
    Juice from 1 ½ lemons
    3 cloves crushed garlic
    3 tbsp. chopped parsley
    1/8 tsp. crushed pepper flakes
  • Add in shrimp:
    32 peeled and deveined large shrimp (1 lb.) – you can purchase shrimp that is already deveined
  • Marinate shrimp for 20-25 minutes in the large bowl.
  • Preheat a gas grill over high heat.
  • Clean and oil the grill grate to prevent skewers from sticking.
  • Cut up 3 large lemons, sliced into 24 very thin rounds.
  • Beginning and ending with shrimp, add the shrimp and lemon slices onto 8 pairs of parallel metal skewers, making 8 kebabs total.
  • Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque.
  • Set aside on a platter, squeeze remaining 1/2 lemon over the shrimp and finish with Parmesan cheese.
  • Add your favorite grilled vegetable as a side with a side of pasta! I personally will have a side of chickpea pasta with some pesto and Parmesan cheese along with a side of grilled asparagus.
  • *If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak in water for an hour to prevent burning

    Take Control of your Diet

    Taking control of your diet by cooking on the grill can be empowering and is often much easier than many make it out to be. Try the recipe above or any other grilled favorites for your next meal to eat something different and healthy today.