Grill Yourself to Great Nutrition

Grilling is a summertime treat -- and a great way to get out of cooking in that hot kitchen. Before you pull out that package of hot dogs, though, consider that your grill is the perfect place to cook fruits and veggies, too. Getting in your five to nine servings a day has never tasted so good!

• Firm vegetables like corn, peppers, eggplant and onions can be cooked directly on the grill. Baste them in your favorite marinade for extra flavor, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Some veggies are perfect for steaming. Make a pocket out of tinfoil, put in carrots, zucchini and potatoes, then add seasoning and a small amount of water. Put the entire package on the grill and heat.
• Bite-sized veggies, like mushrooms, grill up great on a skewer or in a grill basket.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with grilled fruit. Brush fruits like apples and peaches with a small amount of oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, or serve grilled bananas with a scoop of low-fat yogurt.

Serve up great nutrition this summer by putting fruits and veggies on your grill -- indoor or outdoor. Check out Maggie's post on creative grilling for more healthy and delicious ideas.