Five tips FOR A HEALTHIER AUSTRALIA DAY BBQ

Having family and friends around for a barbie this Australia Day? Here’s how to do it the healthy way!

SWAP SNAGS FOR SEAFOOD

Give fatty sausages the flick and throw a shrimp on the barbie instead. Prawns, fish kebabs, salmon parcels or a whole snapper are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Be sure to add lots of coriander, lemon, garlic and chilli for a healthy flavour boost.

TAKE CARE WITH THE CUTS

Juicy T-bones, sticky wings and melting ribs may be delicious but they’re also dripping with saturated fat. Look for leaner cuts of meat such as free-range chicken breast and pork tenderloin thinly sliced so they cook quickly without drying out.

DON’T FORGET THE VEG

Chargrilled vegetables are delicious and healthy!

Try flat-top mushrooms, capsicum, zucchini strips, cauliflower ‘steaks’ and corn on the cob with the silks left on. A drizzle of olive oil is all you really need, but a splash of balsamic vinegar and some fresh herbs adds extra pizazz!

OVERHAUL YOUR SALAD

If you can’t imagine a barbecue without a potato salad or coleslaw, try replacing the mayonnaise with low-fat Greek yoghurt and a little Dijon mustard. Or really shake things up by making a sweet potato salad dressed in extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, chives and a drizzle of honey. Yum!

SOMETHING SWEET

Throwing fruit on the barbie brings out a natural sweetness that’s irresistible. Pineapple slices, bananas, peaches and nectarines are particularly delicious. Serve with yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice-cream for the perfect end to your Australia Day celebrations.