If you’re a fan of the outdoors and long for a healthy plate of food, there are a few simple guidelines to follow for enjoying a tasty and satisfying meal in nature. Although cooking food on your own may seem daunting at first, most outdoor enthusiasts find that it is not all that difficult. With a little practice and the right equipment, preparing healthy meals can be a surprisingly enjoyable pastime. In this article, we’ll share some tips that will help you to enjoy the outdoors even more.
When it comes to choosing foods to cook on your outdoor grill, one of the main things you should pay attention to is the ingredients used in the preparation. Food, just like any other product, can have many different chemicals and ingredients added to it to extend its shelf life, or boost its flavor. Many times, the main ingredient of an entree or dish will contain food additives and colorants, which are very unhealthy and are not good for your body. When preparing food outside, you will want to focus on the natural ingredients found in the food. Avoid food additives such as preservatives, artificial flavors and coloring, food colors, artificial sweeteners and food additives, as these can be dangerous to your health.
Avoiding additives is not only healthier for you, but it will also make you taste better. Chemicals used to extend the shelf life of food are often passed along to the food itself and cause the dish to have a “fishy” taste. Another commonly used additive is vegetable oil, as this emulsifies fats and is also used to thicken sauces. These additives are not necessary and should be avoided, as they are not only bad for your health, but are also a major contributor to global warming. Furthermore, most fats and oils used in preparing foods are derived from fossil fuels, which will eventually lead to environmental pollution.
If you would like to include more natural fats and oils in your diet, then use canola, olive and coconut oils, which are unsaturated fatty acids that are light and have low amounts of fat. These oils are excellent sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential to health. If you are interested in adding low-fat dairy products to your diet, then try low-fat, natural skim milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. These dairy items are excellent sources of calcium, which is crucial for strong bones.
The fourth type of food that should be part of your staple food list is minerals and nutrients. You may think that grains and legumes are staples, but in reality they fall far behind when it comes to nutritional value. Many of today’s grains and legumes lack nutrients and even contain toxins. Instead, consider taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement and eat a wide variety of whole foods, as they contain many vitamins and minerals, which you cannot get from processed foods.
Finally, avoid processed carbohydrates. They are high in sugar and low in nutrients, as well as lacking in the important vitamins and minerals. Instead, eat whole foods that are rich in vitamins and carbohydrates, such as vegetables, whole-wheat bread, chicken and fish, nuts and seeds, brown rice and other grain products, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and lean meats. This is the best diet plan for healthy, slender, younger looking skin that is low in fat and high in nutrients.