The days get longer, good temperatures accompany and it is time for barbecues. Many families with young children wonder, Is barbecue or grilled food suitable for children? We will respond so that those meals are healthy for the little ones, since they can be.
Basically, two issues have to be taken into account to make a barbecue suitable for children. First, the type of food, since there are some very fatty ones that are not recommended in excess in any way. Then, the cooking mode, since a well-done barbecue or barbecue will preserve the properties of the food without making them harmful. Let's explain these points a little more.
The best foods for a barbecue
The barbecue is commonly associated with very fatty foods such as sausages, black pudding, bacon, sausages ... But there are many other possibilities that, without excluding the above, make lunch or dinner in a healthier barbecue.
For both adults and children, very fatty foods have to be consumed in moderation. On the other hand, there are lean meats that can be cooked on the grill, such as chicken, turkey, pork loin, rabbit ... and other meats that can be removed from fat (lamb, veal ...).
In short, any type of meat is suitable if we eliminate the most fatty parts and even hamburgers, which are very successful among children, which we can make homemade and to your liking to make them healthier and combine with vegetables.
Fat not only increases calories but can impair the way of cooking, by fanning the coals and even producing a flame that reaches the food, which spoils its quality, as we will see in the next section.
Of course, let's not forget the vegetables, which are very good on the grill: zucchini, eggplant, potato, carrot, artichokes, corn ... Skewers that combine meat and vegetables will be fabulous.
Nor should we discard fish, which can be done wrapped in aluminum foil so that it does not stick to the grill, or skewered in the case of small fish such as sardines, sepia rings or squid ... Octopus, monkfish, crustaceans ... are other foods that are They can be grilled and there are different ways to combine them into skewers. Take care that they are well cooked inside.
The best way to grill
To cook on the grill, you have to prevent the fire from evaporating smoke that reaches the food and that the flames reach it, since carbonizing the food creates a harmful black layer, with toxic substances and harmful to the body.
If the smoke reaches the food, it can be impregnated with carbon dioxide and other substances that can be toxic in large quantities. And if the fat or meat of the food is burned to the point of carbonization, we will be ingesting carcinogenic substances.
Therefore, we will ensure that the grill is well consolidated, that there are no flames and that the fat that can fall from the food does not fan the grill. That is why it is not necessary to add oil to these foods and we will put the salt in moderation, even after cooking, in little or no amount for children.
It is advisable to prepare the grill over high heat (medium-high) but then to cook the food we will simmer so that the food does not burn on the outside but it is undercooked inside. You have to pay attention to the different thicknesses of the food and try to make those of the children thinner (meats and vegetables) and controlling that they remain less time on the coals, since they will be made before the thicker cut food.
Attention to the sauces to accompany the food on the grill, let's ensure that they are not spicy for children and it is best to opt for natural tomato sauces, light mayonnaise or homemade made at the moment ... A salad and a good fruit dessert, next to the Drinking water or natural juices, without abusing sugary or carbonated soft drinks, will be good complements for not making barbecue a heavy meal.
Given these tips, grilling is healthy and safe for the whole family. Remember that the fundamental thing is to have a balanced diet that includes foods from different groups, not to abuse fats and salt and combine meats with vegetables. And enjoy the outdoor barbecue!
