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Eat smart with Aprilanne's healthy living guidlines when cooking on the grill!

In California – “Outdoor Living is in” almost anytime of year, and especially when the weather starts heating up!  Whether you’re cooking up a few steaks or chicken breasts for the family on the grill, or throwing an all out BBQ party in the backyard – protect yourself and your love ones from the not-so-healthy effects cooking meat on the grill can bring by marinading your poultry, beef, pork etc. in a mixture of ingredients with healthy anti-oxidants!

Now while I’m not aiming to be a total killjoy here – it is important to report that the process of cooking meat, poultry and fish on the grill has been proven to cause the formation of carcinogens (cancer causing agents) known as HCAs (Heterocyclic Aromatic Aminies) and PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).

We all love to BBQ, and cooking on the grill is a quick, easy, and fun way to prepare meals - so here are a few steps you can take to decrease the cancer risk when grilling:

1. Use fruit marinades such as orange, lemon, lime, etc., and anti-oxidant rich herbs and spices such as cumin, rosemary, oregano, etc., in an olive oil base and marinate meats, fish, and poultry at least an hour before cooking to reduce carcinogenic damage up to 90%!

2. Using fresh foods such as garlic, onions, rosemary, tomatoes, etc. that contain antioxidants to protect one’s DNA from the carcinogenic damage caused by the Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines HCA’s and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – PAHs formed when grilling meats, poultry, and fish.

3. Cooking in tinfoil to prevent the fat drippings and subsequent production of PAHs that are deposited back onto the food by smoke and flare-ups.

4. Using smaller cuts of meat so they take less time to cook; flipping frequently to promote faster cooking and prevent HCAs from forming. Ultimately you are in control when it comes to the foods you eat and prepare for yourself and your family so do take a few extra moments when grilling to include some of the ideas above to protect yourself and loved ones from the carcinogens created when grilling meat, fish, and poultry.  Carcinogen byproducts are not formed by the way when grilling vegetables - so be sure to include lots of great roasted veggies such as colorful peppers, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini and enjoy them all completely guilt free!  Enjoy – Aprilanne

Aprilanne Hurley SFN is a Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, author of The Party Girl Diet, and the Health Expert for California Living, the Bay Area’s original lifestyle show featuring California’s trends in food, travel, and healthy living. Hurley’s new book, The Party Girl Diet is a healthy, sustainable lifestyle plan combining today’s groundbreaking health and nutrition research with Hurley’s penchant for good living to deliver a revolutionary new diet and lifestyle that lets you  “Keep the Party Going…While You Lose the Weight!”

Contact Aprilanne with your nutrition and lifestyle questions @aprilanne@DietDayNews.com

Watch Aprilanne on California Living @ CaliforniaLivingTV.com

Aprilanne’s Grilled Pizza Recipe

Check out CA Living’s Insider’s Guide to Paring Wine and the BBQ on CAInsider.com NOW! And try marinading your meat i n the Olive Salsa Verde

The content on this site is for informational purposes and is not intended to treat or cure any illness or disease.  Please consult your Health Care provider prior to starting any new exercise or diet regimen. content on this site is for informational purposes and is not intended to treat or cure any illness or disease.  Please consult your Health Care provider prior to starting any new exercise or diet regimen.