Being based in Round Rock, Texas, we at ThermaSol know a thing or two about good BBQ. But we are also experts in wellness with our Smart Shower with steam, so we figured why not combine the two by offering some tips and recipes for healthy BBQ. Check out our favorites below:
Make Your Own Sauce!
We love a rack of juicy ribs slathered with sauce as much as the next person, but we also know some ways to lighten up the recipe by making your own BBQ sauce! Many popular store-bought sauces contain sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
This recipe calls for fresh garlic and onion, and tomato sauce and paste rather than sugar-laden ketchup, in addition to apple cider vinegar which has natural probiotics and other wholesome seasonings and ingredients. You can pair your house-made sauce with the staples like chicken and ribs, or lighter options like grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables or even marinated tofu.
Swap Out Unhealthy Ingredients for Better Substitutes
This recipe swaps out traditional burger buns that are made with less-than-nutritious white flour for a slab of grilled pineapple! How creative! Pineapple has a slew of health benefits, from its high Vitamin C content that contains cancer-fighting antioxidants to its manganese levels that helps support healthy bones. Swapping out traditional burger buns for whole wheat [pro-tip: make sure “whole grain” or “whole wheat” is listed as one of the first three ingredients] is another way to make it healthier, since whole grains have more protein, fiber and nutrients.
Making a coleslaw? Try adding nutrient-packed greens like finely chopped kale or spinach for a nutrient boost! Making potato salad? Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes! With about half as many calories and carbs and four times your daily recommended dose of vitamin A, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with more benefits than its white potato counterpart.
You can also swap out regular mayo for reduced fat mayo or Greek yogurt and flavorful dijon mustard for your potato salad. This recipe also includes adding nutrient-filled chopped apples.
Jazz Up Your BBQ with Healthy Spices
The turmeric craze that has taken over the world exists for a reason! This popular seasoning that has been used in Indian cuisine for millenia contains medicinal compounds like the active ingredient curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Cinnamon is another powerhouse spice with antioxidants and possible benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties to protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease. What does this have to do with BBQ, you might ask? Use it in your BBQ! Throw some turmeric and cinnamon into your BBQ sauce and try curry potato salad [turmeric is the main ingredient in curry] for a delicious side.
You can also throw turmeric and cinnamon on watermelon! This juicy fruit is high in Vitamins C and A, is hydrating and has a host of other health benefits.
After enjoying your BBQ, hop in the shower for a relaxing Smart Shower with steam which lets you easily program water temperature and volume, sound and lighting, use 30+ apps and more, all with the ease of the swipe of your finger, for the ultimate wellness experience!
What are your favorite BBQ recipes? Let us know in the comments!
