Healthy Grilling Marinades

Summer is just around the corner and we all know what that means...pool parties, vacations, nice weather, sunshine, and GRILLING SEASON! I absolutely love grilled foods! Give me some grilled marinaded chicken, some grilled fresh veggies, and an ice cold glass of iced tea and I am as happy as a clam! 

If you're using store bought marinades for your summer grilling, you are adding huge amounts of fat, sodium, and calories to even the leanest cuts of meat. Instead of punishing your waistline, reach for one of these healthier marinades instead. 

1. Mediterranean:

This marinade is full of antioxidants and the lemon is a natural digestive agent. It also fits into the Mediterranean diet that has become popular. 
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp Mediterranean spice mix

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. For every 1 pound of boneless meat or 2 pounds of bone-in meat, add 2 tbsp of marinade. Let your meat marinade for at least 10 minutes. For the best flavor, cover and marinade in refrigerator for 24 hours. 

You can make your own Mediterranean spice mix by combining 3 tbsp dried rosemary, 2 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1/2 sea salt, and 2 tbsp cinnamon. 

2. Southwest:

This is another marinade that is full of antioxidants all while being low in calories and there are no yucky chemicals like in the store bought marinades. 
 
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp southwest spice mix

Mix everything together and rub it on your protein. 
 
Make your own southwest spice mix by combining 2 tbsp of chili powder, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tbsp dried oregano.

3. Oil and Vinegar:

2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp vinegar
1/2 tsp fresh rosemary

4. Jerk Marinade:

2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp jerk spice

Mix all ingredients together and rub onto your protein. 

Make your own jerk spice mix by combining 2 tbsp dried minced onion, 2 1/2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tsp ground allspice, 2 tbsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil.

5. Hot, Hot, Hot Marinade:

This is one of my favorites and can really curb your craving for not so healthy foods like hot wings. The spices bring your antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Tobasco sauce
1/2 tsp curry powder

6.