Have a healthy BBQ

It’s June and BBQ season is finally upon us, so grab a cold drink and a novelty apron and get out into the garden to make the most of what will probably be a very short English summer. 

If gristly supermarket-brand burgers and suspiciously pink sausages aren’t your thing when it comes to al fresco dining, check out these healthy, super delicious BBQ alternatives…

BBQ mushroom burger

Vegetarians rejoice: no longer will you have to gnaw on limp lettuce and couscous at your next BBQ. Buy some large field mushrooms to create this very tasty meat-free ‘burger’: simply brush the mushrooms with olive oil and some spices and herbs of your choice, then cook up a tasty ‘stuffing’. This can be made of anything you like but popular options include garlic, spinach, feta, chilli, bell pepper, aubergine and courgette. Once you’ve concocted a tasty combination, stuff the mix into the underside of the mushroom and place on the BBQ before serving up with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkling of cheese.

Moroccan lamb burgers

For health-conscious meat lovers, these homemade spiced lamb burgers are a godsend. Simply pound some lamb mince in a pestle with spices such as cumin seeds, sweet smoked paprika and ground coriander, divide the mixture into patties, rub them with olive oil and cook on the BBQ for around 6-7 minutes on each side. You can then pop them into a toasted wholemeal bun, top with yoghurt and garnish with salad for a spicy, healthy burger.

BBQ mackerel salad

Fresh fish is both delicious and low-fat on the BBQ. Wrap mackerel fillets in foil to cook, then serve with rocket salad, boiled egg, olives and sugar snaps before drizzling with a sweet mustard dressing.

Don’t forget to wash all of this down with a big jug of fruity Pimms, or cold fruit juice and ice!

Find a nutritionist to learn more about eating well without skimping on the foods you love. View our Healthy Eating page for more information.