Fx™-Approved Proteins for Grilling Season
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD. Click here to learn more about Mel’s personalized nutrition coaching services.
Most of us eat three meals a day, that’s about 90 opportunities a month to add variety to our plate. The reality is that we tend to be creatures of habit, eating the same foods every day. Sure, we stray from the norm when we’re inspired to try a new recipe, but for the most part we like our routine. Besides, getting creative with meals takes time and energy most of us don’t have.
Lucky for you, I’m the type of person who thrives on the excitement of discovering ways to mix up my meals. So, relax and get inspired with this list of Fx™-approved plant and animal proteins at Heinen’s for all your grilling needs. Also included are condiment, seasoning, and bread suggestions to add flavor and nutrition to your next cookout!
Fx™-Approved Plant-Based Proteins
- Heinen’s Black Bean Veggie Burgers or Santa Fe Chickpea Veggie Burgers: Made fresh by Heinen’s butchers and available in the Meat Department next to other delicious ready-to-cook plant-based options. These burgers are so delicious they earned the title of Heinen’s Fan Favorite!
- Actual Veggies Veggie Burgers: Also located in the Meat Department, these bean and vegetable burgers are made from real food and no junk! Varieties include truffle (with shitake mushrooms, oats and chickpeas), black (with black beans and carrots), orange (with sweet potato, carrot, cauliflower, and navy beans), and green (with kale, broccoli, spinach, pea and navy beans).
- Cleveland Tofu: Tofu is a spongy protein made from soybeans. It adopts the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with or marinated in, like Bragg organic coconut aminos and Heinen’s extra virgin olive oil. Whether you’re watching your fat intake or looking for a meatless meal to enjoy on the deck, pick up a container of non-GMO, Kosher Certified Cleveland Tofu from the Meat Department and try these simple Grilled Tofu and Mushroom Skewers.
Fx™-Approved Seafood
Fish is a great way to meet Fx™ Pillar 3: Dose with omega-3 fats every day.
- Wild-caught sockeye salmon or Heinen’s wild frozen sockeye salmon
- Wild fresh tuna or Heinen’s wild frozen ahi tuna
- Farm-raised fresh ruby or rainbow trout
- Wild-caught fresh halibut
Fx™-Approved Poultry
These carefully sourced, preservative-and added hormone-free poultry solutions are all located in the Meat Department.
- Bilinski’s Organic Chicken Sausages: A healthy and easy grilling option packed with high-quality protein and no fillers or preservatives. Varieties include spinach feta, wild mushroom, and mild Italian.
- Plainville Organic Turkey Burgers: Humanely raised on family farms and fed an all vegetarian diet, these juicy patties are delicious fresh off the grill!
- Amylu Greek-Style Fully-Cooked Chicken Burgers: A quick meal solution for last minute cookouts, these burgers feature a savory blend of spinach, feta cheese, and red peppers.
- Applegate Organics The Great Organic Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs: Sugar free and full of flavor, these delicious dogs are made from all natural ingredients and taste just as good as their beef and pork counterparts!
- Pasturebird Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Offer 3x more omega-3s, 50% more vitamin A and E, and 21% less saturated fat than conventionally raised chicken.
Fx™-Approved Grass-Fed Beef and Bison
Upgrade to these grass-fed beef and bison options for more omega-3 fats!
- PRE Beef Burgers
- Applegate Organics The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
- Force of Nature Bison New York Strip, Sirloin, Ribeye, Filet, and Patties
- Heinen’s Organic Beef Short Ribs
- Heinen’s Organic Strip Steak
Fx™-Approved Condiments, Seasonings, and Buns
- Hero Bread Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns: High in protein and fiber, these soft and flavorful buns toast perfectly and are a great alternative for those not wanting the blood sugar spike that typically follows traditional white bread.
- Heinen’s Sauerkraut: Offers a nice boost of probiotics to keep your gut happy and healthy. Add to hotdogs, burgers, or potato salad!
- Heinen’s Organic Grass-Fed A2 Cheeses slices: Easier to digest than the more common A1 cheeses, so everyone can enjoy a slice on their veggie, turkey, or grass-fed beef burger.
- Heinen’s Organic Ketchup: Free from preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and flavors! It’s how ketchup should be made.
- Heinen’s Organic Dijon or Stone Ground Mustard: Has a bold flavor with simple ingredients!
- Noble Made BBQ Sauce: Low in sugar and naturally sweetened.
- Siete Botana Sauces: Drizzle these flavorful all-purpose sauces over grilled vegetables, burgers, and even sorbet! Each variety is made with real ingredients and no seed oils. Varieties include Chamoy (sweet and tangy blend of fruit and peppers), creamy jalapeno, and traditional (garlic, pequin peppers and guajillo peppers).
- Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayo: Made with avocado oil.
- Primal Kitchen Chicken Dippin’ Sauce: Great for burgers, grilled chicken or for dipping these Chickpea Dusted Carrot Fries.
- Mina Harissa Moroccan Mild Sauce: Elevate your grilled meat, seafood, and veggie dishes with this blend of red peppers, extra virgin olive oil, and red chili peppers.
- Two Brothers Blackened Seasoning: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to grilled meats, fish, and vegetables.
- Bragg Organic Coconut Liquid Aminos: Great for marinades, this lower sodium alternative to soy sauce is made from organic coconut blossom nectar and apple cider vinegar.
Key Takeaway
Life is short, and so is summer. Go ahead and try something new! You just may find another favorite staple to add to your tried-and-true grilling season collection.
