Yes, the BBQ season is on! Warm evenings, the smell of charcoal in the air, a cold drink in hand… But how do you keep it somewhat healthy without it getting boring? Don’t worry, you don’t have to chew on just a carrot. With a few smart choices and tasty tips, you can enjoy fully and still feel great. Summer = enjoyment. And that’s possible without overeating, food comas, and calorie bombs. So: fire up that grill, choose wisely, enjoy to the fullest, and feel good!
Do’s: Smart enjoying at the grill
Barbecuing can be surprisingly healthy if you know what to watch out for:
✅ Choose lean meat and fish
Think: chicken breast, steak, shrimp, or turkey burgers. Packed with protein, low in fat, and delicious on the grill.
✅ Veggies on the grill = top combo
Zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, or mushrooms: they add color to your plate, are full of vitamins, and taste even better with grill marks.
✅ Hydrate = win
Water is your best friend. Make it exciting with fresh mint, lemon, or cucumber. This way you stay fresh and secretly save a lot of empty calories.
Don’ts: What’s better to skip
Not everything that’s fun is your best buddy health-wise.
❌ Ready-made sauces and marinades
Full of hidden sugars and fats. Check the labels or just make them yourself. Much tastier.
❌ Bread, baguette, and… more bread
Tasty, but a sneaky killer if you’re not careful. You quickly get to five slices and three spoonfuls of aioli.
❌ Alcohol: the silent fat maker
A glass of wine or beer is cozy, but it adds up fast in calories. Alternate with water or choose a spritzer.
BBQ Hacks: Healthy alternatives that surprise
Time to shine as BBQ chef with these creative (and healthy!) tips:
✨ Homemade yogurt sauces
Mix Greek yogurt with garlic, cucumber, dill, or curry. Light, fresh, and so much better than from a bottle.
🍍 Grilled fruit skewers as dessert
Pineapple, mango, banana – on the grill they get extra sweet. Serve with a bit of cinnamon or mint.
🥒 Zucchini burgers or cauliflower steaks
Yes, your veggie friend can join too. Super flavorful and surprisingly filling.
Mindful BBQ’ing: Enjoy without guilt
Barbecuing is not just about food, it’s a moment. Make it something special:
🥗 Eat consciously and take your time
Really taste what you eat, chew slowly, and give your body time to feel “full.”
🧍 Stay active
A game of beach volleyball or a little walk in between? That way you immediately burn off some of that tasty food.
🎉 See it as a social event
Not everything has to revolve around food. Chatting, playing games, music on – then you eat less mindlessly.
Bonus: Our favorite healthy BBQ recipes of the month
👉 Grilled salmon with lime yogurt sauce
Ingredients (for 2 people):
2 salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 organic lime (juice + zest)
150 g Greek yogurt (0% fat)
1 garlic clove (pressed)
Fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
How to make it:
• Lightly brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Grill the salmon on a moderately hot BBQ for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked.
• Meanwhile, mix the yogurt with lime juice, zest, garlic, and fresh herbs into a fresh sauce.
• Serve the salmon with a generous spoonful of sauce and a lime wedge.
Tip: Delicious with grilled green asparagus or baby potatoes in their skins.
👉 Vegetable skewers with halloumi and mint
Ingredients (for 4 skewers):
1 zucchini
1 red bell pepper
1 red onion
150 g halloumi
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
Pepper to taste
How to make it:
• Cut all the vegetables and halloumi into cubes
• Thread them alternately onto skewers (preferably reusable!)
• Mix olive oil, lemon juice, mint, and pepper into a dressing
• Brush the skewers with the dressing and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning regularly
Tip: Serve with a yogurt dip or a little harissa for some kick.
👉 Watermelon Feta Salad with Arugula
Ingredients (for 2-3 people):
300 g watermelon, diced
100 g feta, crumbled
2 handfuls arugula
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (white is extra fresh!)
Black pepper & fresh mint
How to make it:
• Gently mix the watermelon, feta, and arugula in a large bowl
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Finish with black pepper and mint
Tip: Serve ice cold, delicious as a refreshing side dish at the BBQ!