Fire up the grill, friends! The 4th of July is just around the corner, and that means backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and plenty of delicious food. But before you start piling your plate high with charred ribs and blackened burgers, let’s talk about something important: the truth about BBQ foods and why you should be careful with overly burnt and charred meat. I’ll also share some tasty, healthier options that keep the flavor without the risk.

Microplastics, which are smaller than a grain of rice, are now being detected in everything from bottled water and sea salt to processed foods and even our own bodies. The full scope of the health effects is still being researched, but for a lot of people, the idea of literally eating plastic is concerning enough to want to make a change. The good news? While microplastics are truly everywhere, there are some pretty simple swaps you can make in your daily routine.