With Memorial Day weekend coming up quickly, there is no doubt that cooking out on the grill is on everyone’s minds. But, it is important to keep in mind the safest and healthiest ways to cookout before firing up the grill.

With Memorial Day weekend coming up quickly, there is no doubt that cooking out on the grill is on everyone’s minds. But, it is important to keep in mind the safest and healthiest ways to cookout before firing up the grill.

According to Kim Hayes in a recent article for AARP, “veggies are the new meat.” Unlike meat, when grilled, vegetables do not release the carcinogens that may lead to cancer. “AICR (American Institute for Cancer Research) recommends limiting red meat to no more than 18 ounces of cooked meat per week and avoiding hot dogs and other processed meats. Instead, throw more veggies onto the grill,” she wrote.

The AIRC offers several guidelines for safer grilling:

• Shorten Grilling Time. For larger cuts of meat, reduce the time they’re exposed to the flames by first partially cooking them in a microwave oven or stove. The meat should be immediately placed on a preheated grill to keep it safe from bacteria. Cutting meat into smaller portions also reduces cooking time.
• Trim the Fat. Trimming the fat off your meat reduces flare-ups and charring.
• Move to the Center. Cook your meat in the center of the grill while moving coals to the outside, and make sure to flip it frequently.

Read the full article: Reduce Cancer Risk From Outdoor Grilling

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