Dieting after Thanksgiving and before Christmas with an EZ Grill

Did you eat too much over Thanksgiving?  Thinking of your waistband after Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner and perhaps you are like me in that I am thinking about healthier eating before the next round of turkey and stuffing.  EZ Grills can be used for so much more than beef burgers and hot dogs and you get that wonderful charbroiled flavor without using butter or inappropriate oils which can significantly add to your calorie intake.  Try grilling some skinless, boneless chicken or turkey.  Turn your burgers into gourmet low calorie, but full of flavor specials: 

   

• 1 1/4 pounds Ground Turkey 7% fat
• 5 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese
• Kosher Salt
• Fresh Ground Pepper
• Olive Oil (a better choice of oil)
  

Had enough of Turkey?  Then try Fish such as salmon, red snapper or shrimp. 

Marinades are an easy way to add a lot of flavor but not a lot of calories.  My favorite for all types of burgers is adding some Worcestershire Sauce and of course, fresh onions and garlic.  Chili, mustards and ketchup are also great additives.  Make sure when you make a marinade that you include an acid such as citrus juice, vinegar or wine as this breaks down the protein tissues in the meat and will help to tenderize the food.

Keep it simple.  Many dishes such as sturdy fish steaks can be cooked and a touch of lemon or lime at the end is enough to give it a wonderful flavor but with none of the guilt.

Here's a yummy recipe for Chicken from Bon Appetit adapted for the ez grill and calories:

• 1 1/3 cups finely diced peeled seeded honeydew or other melon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro 
  
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped seeded serrano chile
  -------------

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast thin slices  
• 4 cup cilantro leaves for garnish
  

Combine first 7 ingrediants in a bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. 
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with some salt and pepper and brush with a small amount of olive oil
Grill chicken until fully cooked which won't take long!
Add delicious salsa on top and serve.