Summer is in full swing, and it's the time of year for backyard parties, picnics, and of course firing up the grill! If you think barbecues are limited to hamburgers and hot dogs, here are some tips to change your mind.

Enjoy these tips and recipes for healthy and delicious grilling!

ADD GRILLED CHICKEN TO THE MENU
*Grill chicken with the skin on to keep it moist, then remove the skin to keep it low-fat.
*To increase flavor and moistness, marinate chicken breasts for up to 24 hours before grilling.

GRILL SOME VEGGIES
*Season your garden vegetables with fresh herbs, lemon juice, stock, wine, flavored vinegars, or a small amount of butter or oil.
*Try grilling marinated vegetables on skewers, a grilling tray, or wrapped in foil.

TRIM THE FAT
*Choose lean, well-trimmed meats to grill. Not only will there be less fat to drip into the flames, but you will reduce the amount of saturated fat (the bad fat) that you'll be eating.
*Remove the skin from poultry after grilling.
*Avoid or eat smaller amounts of high-fat meats such as ribs or sausages.

AND FOR DESSERT...
*Carve out a melon and fill it with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Top this with light whipped topping or yogurt.
*Grilled pineapple and peach skewers makes a sweet, healthy dessert.

TRY SOMETHING NEW
*Here are some websites with more tips and great recipes for turkey burgers, grilled veggies, grilled desserts, side dishes, and much more!

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2003-mchi/1857.html

http://www.foodfit.com/cooking/archive/getReady_june10.asp

http://www.montana.edu/commserv/csnews/nwview.php?article=394

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