Barbecue and cancer: Make a healthy plate

Barbecuing at home is a perfect way to relax, celebrate holidays, and spend time with family and friends. But before you fire up the grill, plan a healthy menu.

Many meats traditionally served at barbecues, such as beef, hot dogs and sausage, have been shown to increase the risk of some types of cancer. And, side dishes such as pasta and potato salads often include unwanted fat and calories, leading to unwanted weight gain.

So, what should go on your plate? 

Choose healthy proteins

Ditch the hamburgers and hot dogs. Red meats like pork, lamb and beef, and processed meats like hot dogs, ham, sausage and bacon can increase your risk for colorectal cancer.

"And this is true whether their grilled or not," says Andrea Murray, MD Anderson health educator.

Instead, choose healthier proteins such as:

• Skinless chicken
• Turkey breasts
• Fish

These options are lower in fat and can help you maintain a lean body weight.

If you must keep hamburgers and hot dogs on the menu, choose low-fat and preservative-free meats. And, limit red meat to no more than 18 oz. – that’s six 3 oz. servings (each serving is about the size of your palm or a deck of cards) – each week to curb your cancer risk.

In addition, it’s important to cook your meats properly to avoid exposure to cancer-causing substances. Some ways to do this include:

• Not charring or burning meat.
• Using a marinade.
• Trimming the fat.

"Trimming the fat off can reduce flare-ups or charring," Murray says.

Choose in-season fruits and vegetables

Add a variety of colors to your plate with fruits and vegetables.

They’re loaded with phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins to help prevent cancer and improve overall health.

Plus, eating more plant foods makes it easier to reduce body fat and maintain a healthy weight.  

Try grilling onions, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, corn on the cob and watermelon.

"Choose fruits and vegetables thar are in season for the best flavor," Murray says.

To cook:

• Lightly oil the grill to keep food from sticking.
• Chop but don’t peel veggies and leave corn on the cob whole and in the husk. The peels provide more nutrients and a smokier flavor.
• Use skewers, foil or a grilling pan as helpful cooking tools.
• Marinate or add a dash of seasoning to maximize flavor. For fruit, try cinnamon.

Also, fresh, chopped fruits and veggies are perfect add-ins for tossed salads. But when it comes to pasta and potato salads, you’ll need to make a few additional changes: 

• Use low-fat mayonnaise or replace half the mayo with non-fat Greek yogurt.
• Choose light salad dressing and use less than what the recipe requires.
• Pick whole wheat pasta.

Create fresh fruit desserts

Good news: the apple crisp and peach cobbler can remain on your picnic table. Just make sure you don’t overindulge.

When it comes to dessert, your healthiest dessert options include:

• Fruit salad with a scoop of low-fat ice cream or yogurt.
• Chopped fruit topped with nuts, unsweetened shredded coconut and cinnamon.
• Apple crisp or peach cobbler with cinnamon.
• Shortcake or angel food cake with fresh berries.

How to fill your plate

Now that your table is loaded with healthy foods, fill your plate appropriately. Make two-thirds your plate plant-based foods, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains or beans, and one-third lean proteins. Be sure to watch out for starchy vegetables, like baked beans, corn and potatoes. They have beneficial fiber and vitamins, but should be no more than one-quarter of your plate.

In addition, your next barbecue shouldn’t be all about the food. Include a physical activity to get everyone moving, like kickball, softball or whiffle ball, badminton or Frisbee, to help you burn calories and encourage family interaction and fun. 

So, grab a Frisbee, toss on your apron and enjoy a barbecue that could help lower your chances for cancer.  

Request an appointment at MD Anderson's Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center online or call 877-632-6789.