Four ways to have a healthy braai
Dietitian Rosemary Cheadle gives four simple strategies that will turn your braai healthy!
The summer days are long and there is a lot of eating to be done. But are you starting to feel guilty that your braais are unhealthy? Well no need to worry.
Where is the salad?
Get creative and brighten the table up with your veggies.
Always include veggies at you braai. And don’t be shy – include a variety.
Line the table with refreshing salads. Don’t hold back on the feta, olives, peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens. If you want something a bit different from your standard salad try a Caprese salad.
Include your roasted veggies which can be lined with garlic and a hint of butter.
Choose fresh food items which are in season and that the whole family enjoys.
Braaied corn is also a great side at any braai.
Rehydrate with water
This is the one thing we always neglect at a braai. We go for our wine, coke or beer and completely forget about the water.
Try to alternative between your normal drink and water. For every one glass of wine you have decide on having water as your next drink. If you are drinking fruit juice you can also choose to dilute it with a bit of water.
Water still seeming unappetizing for you? Well let’s make it appetizing.
Fill the table with large jugs of ice water topped with your favorite fruit, mint, lemon or cucumber. It is fun to drink water which looks beautiful and food items help give some flavour to the water.
Also read: Join CPF for Heritage Day community braai
Go easy on the salt
If there is anything we normally get to much of at a braai – it is the salt. We plaster our meat in it while braaiing. Even though we need salt, too much salt can be unhealthy and has been linked with increased blood pressure.
We still want our food to taste good so cut down on the salt and rather use more herbs and spices. Use lemon, vinegar, coriander, paprika, garlic and peri-peri to make great marinates. Not only will it taste great but you will get the amazing health benefits of the herbs and spices you use.
Don’t be shy, play around until you find your perfect marinate.
Fruity dessert
After a great meal we always want a great dessert. Why not substitute it with a fresh and healthy dessert?
Gather together fruit that is in season and make a fruit display or salad. This can be served with ice-cream or geek yoghurt, honey and nuts. This is a fantastic guilt free dessert which is filled with vitamins and minerals.
Let your next braai be filled with real, whole food which will brighten up the table and people will be coming back for more.
Try to avoid highly processed and sugar filled foods. Find colour and flavour in natural foods.
Being healthy will help to improve your productivity in life, prevention of disease and will help you achieve your weight goals.
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