It's Grillin' Time

Section: Food

SOURCE: National Pork Board

Family Features) - Lift the lids of grills around the country and you'll find evidence of two eating trends that show no sign of going away — America's love affair with both grilling and low-carb meals. According to a recent survey by the National Pork Board, 70 percent of Americans plan to grill at least once a week this summer. When you consider that grilling is a convenient way to prepare a quick and nutritious meal, its popularity is no surprise.

Simple, Healthy Meals

Lean pork cuts, such as pork tenderloin and loin chops, are great sources of high-quality protein, making them perfect additions to any summertime grilling menu. These recipes can be paired with a fresh green salad or side of low-carb veggies, and you have a complete, delicious meal. A 3-ounce serving of pork tenderloin has 24 grams of high-quality protein, with only four grams of fat and zero carbs.

Pork's subtle flavor also makes it a "clean canvas" on which to "paint" your favorite flavor combinations. Spice up your pork cut of choice with one of an endless variety of low-carb and low-fat seasoning favorites, like spice rubs, herbs or marinades for dishes that take on Asian, Mediterranean, Cajun or Latin flavor twists.

Hint for Choosing Cuts

A hint for finding healthful pork cuts at the supermarket is to look for the word "loin" in the name, such as pork tenderloin. The tenderloin is lean, easy to grill and a classic favorite.

For additional recipes for grilling lean varieties of pork and planning low-carb meals, visit otherwhitemeat.com. With more than 1,400 recipes on the site, all searchable by carbohydrate content, the summer diet season will have plenty of options.