It’s funny how after the NYC ball drops every year, we tend to drop the ball on our short-lived health goals. We ask ourselves why such passion and motivation for our health turns back into old habits so quickly. The answer usually involves three concepts: time, money and human interest.

As we know — but sometimes refuse to admit — “getting healthy” is not accomplished by a mere quick fix. The idea of a lifestyle change is what truly drives results. Adding a Grilla Grill to your deck or cooking space will not only help you make better food choices, but ultimately help you maintain this lifestyle change. All. Year. Round.

Yes, there are absolutely nutritional benefits to grilling your food. Grilling adds flavor without adding calories. You end up eating less fat, as the grease drips off into the grill grates. Vegetables retain more of their nutrients. And, overall, people tend to eat more protein and vitamins and fewer carbs with the types of food that goes on the grill.

See the Grill Possibilities

While these are all important, let’s also examine how Grilla Grills can help us overcome the three factors that often deter us from our healthy lifestyle change: time, money and human interest.

Time

As busy humans, we are definitely pulled in a million different directions. But do we really mean it when we utter excuses like the following?

• “I don’t have time to go to the gym because I have to cook dinner.”
• “I don’t have time to cook dinner because I have to run errands.”
• “I don’t have time to cook dinner because I am too tired.”

Our hearts are probably in the right places, but schedules are busy, and grocery stores can be even busier. We get it. However, set it and forget it isn’t just a catchy phrase used by wood pellet grill retailers. It’s the key to fitting a healthy meal into your daily schedule. Besides, studies have shown that most of us can find time to spend at least four hours daily on our devices. If we can put aside minutes to swipe and click, we can definitely find moments to toss together healthier entrees and side dishes.

The advantage of grilling on a wood pellet grill, such as the Grilla or Silverbac, is that it can be as simple as seasoning your food, throwing it on the grill and going back to checking things off your to-do list before dinner. You definitely have time to do that.

Looking for other ways to maximize your time available to make delicious, nutritious food? Here are some ways to start:

• Create grocery lists and buy your meats ahead of time. That way, you will have them when you need them.
• Stock up on your favorite types of smoker wood pellets so you can add the right nuances of flavor to your meal.
• Vary your diet between your favorite meats, poultry and seafood. Remember, too, that you can cook veggies or even wrapped tofu, seitan and tempeh on your Grilla Grill smoker.
• Grab some of your favorite pre-made sauces and marinades so you don’t have to make them from scratch. Grilla Grills’ lineup of sauces is a great place to start for classic BBQ flavors!

Money

Many people claim that they have trouble following healthy eating habits because they spend too much money on convenient, fast food. Yet they may not realize that the cost of fast food can add up quickly. Heading through drive-thrus may seem like a money-saver, but it only fuels your body with fatty, unhealthy items. Plus, it can munch up your savings. Every day, more than a third of the American population hands over money for fast food. Isn’t it better to invest in fresh, healthy ingredients and high-quality cooking implements like a smoker grill?

Purchasing a grill is a large investment, no doubt about it. But economically speaking, we know that going out to eat with a family of four multiple times a week can add up quickly — not to mention the gas it takes to make the extra trip in your car. Whether you are looking at a wood pellet grill, like the Grilla or Silverbac, or a charcoal grill like the Kong, cooking at home becomes a much more frequent occurrence. 

If you’re considering spending a lot of money on a quality grill/smoker, of course you are going to want to use it! In fact, you will likely find yourself looking for excuses to use it and get the advantages of grilling food. After all, it is tons of fun to make meals that taste like you spent hours on them, even though you did not.

Do yourself a favor and head to the grocery store for homemade meals for half the cost. Buying in bulk and preparing portioned meals for the week may also save more than a few bucks long term. Your waistline AND your wallet will thank you.

Want other money-saving tips to go along with your new-found love for smoking meats, poultry, seafoods, plant-based proteins and veggies in your Grilla Grill? Check these out:

• Start clipping all those paper or electronic coupons. A few dollars saved per shopping trip will add up over time and help you pay for your smoker.
• Look for deals on meats at your favorite grocer. Buy a used, but working, freezer to keep cuts of meat and poultry fresh for months. Freezers can be quite affordable, even if you decide to buy one new.
• Make good use of leftovers rather than allowing them to go bad. Eat them for lunch or repurpose smoked meats to eat in sandwiches or on top of salads.

Human Interest

There is something about barbecuing that inspires a sense of community in people. One of the reasons we can’t stick to a diet or workout regimen is because we simply lose interest. It’s difficult to change and no longer becomes fun for us to try.

Making sure your mind is healthy is just as important as physical health, and these often go hand in hand. Grilling out with friends and family is healthy for your physical and mental well-being. The social atmosphere and being around and eating with loved ones is one of the best ways to stay committed to your lifestyle change and habits.

Another reason we lose interest in healthy eating is because we get hung up on boring, plain food. The grill gives us SO many more options to mix it up and mindfully satisfy our cravings. Not to mention, Grilla Grills has an entire recipe page dedicated to helping you diversify your food choices.

For example, check out …

Healthy Grilling Recipes

Chipotle Turkey Burgers

This deliciously light burger recipe can be made with ground beef or chicken instead of turkey, but this is our take on eating a little healthier. If you can’t find a chipotle in adobo sauce, feel free to just use a jalapeño and chop it up and add a little barbecue sauce to compensate for the lost adobo.

INGREDIENTS/TOOLS

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• ½ C chopped onion
• 2 TB chopped cilantro
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 TB Grilla AP Rub
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns

DIRECTIONS

Preheat either your Silverbac, Kong or Grilla to 300 degrees. Place turkey, onion, cilantro, chile pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt and special rub in a mixing bowl. Mix well and form into four patties.

Cook the turkey burgers until the turkey is no longer pink in the middle — at least 165 degrees. This will take about seven minutes per side on a pellet grill — Silverbac or Grilla — and three to four minutes per side on a charcoal grill — Kong. Just before the patties are removed from the grill, top with the cheese and serve.

If you are looking to keep all the carbs out of the dish, skip the bun and eat it like a hamburger steak with sautéed onions and mushrooms. If you want fewer carbs but something still handheld, these are great in a wrap with some ranch dressing and tomato and lettuce.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Kebabs

You might think there’s no way that something this mouthwatering could be healthy — which is exactly why we love these low-carb, relatively low-fat skewers! Plus, when you smoke rather than fry your favorite foods, you’re cutting out a huge chunk of the calories that frying puts on, without making any compromises in flavor. Enjoy them as a main course, or as a lean and flavorful appetizer or side dish.

INGREDIENTS/TOOLS

• 1-2 packets ranch dressing seasoning
• 3 TB Grilla All Purpose Rub
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 red onions, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 6 skewers (if using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for an hour)
• 1/3 C Grilla Grills Kongo Kick sauce

Toss the cubed chicken in the dry ranch mixture and set it aside in a bowl in the refrigerator. Get your Grilla Grill preheated — anywhere between 275 and 300ºF. 

Now it’s time to make the kebabs. We recommend threading the red onion first, then the bacon and then the chicken. Slide each piece down the skewer slowly. Once you’ve got them started, alternate ingredients as you see fit — you’ll probably use about five pieces of chicken for each skewer. End each one with another piece of onion to hold everything in place, and then dust them generously with Grilla All Purpose Rub.

Place your chicken skewers on your Grilla Grill and let them cook. You’ll need to turn them approximately once every 20 minutes, paying attention to make sure both sides are turning a nice, slightly crispy brown. Depending on the thickness of your chicken, you’re looking at approximately an hour and 20 minutes of cooking time. Don’t forget to pop your Grilla Grills meat thermometer into the chicken pieces and verify that they’re done.

Finally, rest the skewers for a few minutes. Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce if you’re so inclined, then serve and enjoy!

Of course, versatility is one of the best things about skewers! Feel free to add whatever grilled veggies sound good to you, whether that’s red peppers, zucchini or any other grill-friendly vegetable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings, either; lots of different flavors will taste great here, from Italian seasoning to teriyaki marinade. 

Looking for More Healthy Grilling Recipes?

We have lots of healthy recipes, from tacos to pork chops and so much more. Head over to our recipes page to start your healthy grilling journey! Also, check out our friend @VegetarianMamma (https://www.facebook.com/vegetarianmamma/) for other great vegan/gluten free recipes on the grill.

A Final Note: Are Smoker Grills Healthy?

Many consumers remain confused as to whether or not pellet grills and smoker grills are safe and produce healthy cooked items. The basic answer is that scientists do support people eating grilled meats and other foods. However, to avoid any problems related to possible heightened carcinogen risks associated with cooking meats at high temperatures, nutritionists recommend taking a few steps.

First, clean your smoker between every usage. This reduces the build-up of old food particles. Next, avoid overcooking foods, by slow cooking them and checking the temperature frequently to prevent burning. While cooking, keep meat clear of the flame. After a cut of meat has cooked, remove any burned areas and discard them before serving.

Now kick back and celebrate as you grill your way to health.

Happy New Year from Grilla Grills!