5 tips for a fun and relaxed BBQ!

Tip 1: Oil the grill grate well

Whether you’re entrusting your grilled food to a traditional charcoal grill or a modern gas grill, in both cases, it is important to check before the party, whether there is still enough coal or grill lighter fluid.

If you have heat-stable oil, for example rapeseed or sunflower oil, in the house, try rubbing it into the grate before grilling so that the grilled food can be removed from the grate with almost no residue (you’ll thank us after). To do this, simply drizzle some oil on a piece of kitchen paper and then rub it into the bars. You can also use the kitchen paper to dab off marinated meat, because marinade or fat dripping into the embers can form carcinogenic substances, called Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced by burning of carbon-based materials¹.

Tip 2: Food prep is a must and will help you to control your kcal consumption!

As you’ll know, preparing food for a party before the guests arrive can be stressful! Make sure all your food is ready for the grill so you can enjoy a relaxing BBQ! Maybe pass around a few snacks for your guests to enjoy whilst they wait and don’t forget to display those salad bowls and side dishes, we can’t have hungry guests!

Did you know that the average Brit consumes around 3,200 calories at each barbecue? A British study conducted by Weight Watchers², hypothesizes that this is due to the lack of planification. So let’s see some tips that can help you enjoy the Barbecue Season so you don’t have to worry about gaining any extra weight:

• Swap sugary sides and condiments for low fat options.
• It's always better to make your own sauces, they are relatively simple and easily customizable.
• Make a snack strategy: lighter hummus with vegetable sticks, bowls of popcorn, some berries.
• Not only fat in the grill! Courgettes, spring onions, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and mushrooms become delicious when cooked on the grill.
• Create infuse water recipes for children and adults, we have a few summer infused water recipe ideas here.
• Don’t forget to bring out your Magnesium Mineralized Water Filter Jug, so the whole family can enjoy delicious water!

Tip 3: Challenge your guests to bring their favourite dish!

This tip is especially handy if you’re having a large gathering in your garden or park. What better way to sit back and relax then getting your friends and family to bring a side dish or dessert of their own? Not only is your food prep already done but you get to taste a variety of tasty foods and it is a great way for swapping recipes with your friends, family or even neighbours.

Tip 4: Alternatives to using aluminium foil

It’s very popular to wrap vegetables or cheese in aluminium foil and cook them on the grill or wrap the leftovers in aluminium foil to keep them fresh until the next day. But if you’re low on foil, we have a great tip for you!

Modern grill masters rely on ecological alternatives, for example, you can use the leaves from the corn on the cob, bananas or cabbage. Simply wrap the grilled food with the leaves and tie if necessary, then oil the outside and put it on the grill. Looks great and works great!

Tip 5: Set up some games for everyone to enjoy

As we head into summer, a barbeque isn’t fun without a few garden games to keep you and your friends and family occupied.

This is also a great way to keep your little ones entertained whilst the adults sit back and relax! Why not try these Fun Water Experiments with BWT? The children will love them! .

References:

1 Effects of grilling procedures on levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in grilled meats – U.S. National Library of Medicine

2 https://www.weightwatchers.com/