Nothing says summer like the smell of a grill going! Here are some heart-healthy ideas for your summer cookouts from the American Heart Association:

1. Like to fish? Catch your own and grill it up (yes, I said grill, not fry…give it a try!). Tuna and salmon have a lot of nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Burgers – Try buying lean or extra lean beef, drain off the fat after cooking, and avoid making the burgers too big [one serving is 3 oz…about the size of a deck of cards]. Add vegetables like lettuce and tomato, and limit the cheese, mayo, and ketchup.

3. Baked fries – To go along with that burger, slice white or sweet potatoes into sticks, spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with pepper and paprika. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

4. Veggie kabobs – Mushrooms, peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and other veggie favorites. Spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray (or brush lightly with olive oil) and put them on the grill until slightly blackened.

5. Grilled corn on the cob – Leave the husks on, grill for about 30 minutes on medium heat, rotate occasionally, and let them cool for about 5 minutes before digging in.

Enjoy! For more heart healthy tips, visit:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/Summer-Tips-for-a-Healthy-Heart_UCM_303868_Article.jsp