Give your barbecue a healthy twist

Now that the summer holidays are here and the nights are long, there's never been a better excuse to have a barbecue- and it doesn't have to be the traditional glut of cremated or undercooked meat that's often high in calories and fat. It's easy to give your barbecue a healthy twist and turn it into a gourmet three-course feast for all your family and friends to enjoy.

Vegetable skewers are colourful, tasty and exciting to make - let the kids choose which veg to use and add halloumi or feta cheese for a Mediterranean kick.

Corn on the cob is an old favourite and packed with fibre and antioxidants.

Barbecuing fish gives it a fantastic smoky flavour and using oily fish will give you all the benefits of omega-3 too.

If you do want a meat fix, choose lean cuts and trim off any excess fat. Alternatively, chicken has less saturated fat, especially without the skin.

Try making exotic, fruity desserts by cutting slits into a banana, adding small chunks of dark, cocoa-rich chocolate (packed with anti-oxidants) and putting on the barbie wrapped in foil.

Expand your barbecue by including jacket potatoes, succulent salads and super smoothies.

These tips will help cut down on calories and saturated fat, helping to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart healthy, as well as being a colour and taste sensation.

Why not also make an event out of it? Organise some outdoor games to keep both the kids and adults entertained - being active will get their hearts working and after all, everyone loves a party.

So get the barbie out, try something new and healthy and have some summer fun.

For more information and advice about healthy living, log on to Heartresearch.org.uk.