Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Various Healthy Post workout foods display in a heart shape bowl for
    Healthy Eating

    Best Post-Workout Foods for Muscle Recovery, Growth, and Heart Health

    Healthy oatmeal breakfast with fresh fruit and nuts
    Healthy Eating

    The Truth About Oatmeal: Which Oats Are Actually the Healthiest?

    Various healthy frozen foods stored in a freezer
    Healthy Eating

    One Dietitian's 5 Most Healthiest Frozen Foods

    Young professionals drinking Caffeinated Alternatives on their coffee break
    Healthy Eating

    Top Recommended Caffeinated Coffee Alternatives for Clean Energy Through...

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    NFL football and trophy displayed for Superbowl LX with Seattle seahawks and the New England Patriots face off
    News

    Super Bowl LX: The Matchups and Records that Define NFL Greatness

    Carter Vail
    Athletes & Celebrities

    Jiujitsu and a 'Slop Bowl' Help Keep Carter Vail Going Viral

    Latoya Greene in uniform outdoors
    Pro Tips

    Latoya Greene Changed Military Standards and Helps Veterans Keep Theirs

    NFL player Ja’Marr Chase standing in the stadium wearing his new fashion line from Fabletics
    Pro Tips

    Ja’Marr Chase Has Already Begun Training for Next Season

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Futuristic Training shoes of 2025 surrounded by waves
    Gear

    The Best Training Shoes for 2026

    Person holding a health and wellness icon while shopping online
    Gear

    Editor’s Choice: The Top 10 Health & Wellness Brands to Know

    Hero Shot 3
    From our Partners

    Inno Supps Inno Fiber+: The Daily Fiber Formula Quietly Supporting Less ...

    A young man gaming in the dark by himself
    News

    How Many Hours of Video Games Is Too Much?

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    Human muscular fibers demonstrating the concept of musclespan in aging
    Wellness

    Why Musclespan Is The New Metric We Should Focus On

    Bradley Carden CEO of Solbasium red light therapy showing his red light device for recovery
    Recovery

    How Solbasium Put Red-Light Recovery on the Sidelines of the NFL

    Participants in the Unlimited Life biohacking retreat in the Amazon Rainforest
    Wellness

    5 Aging Lessons Learned from a Biohacking Retreat Deep in the Amazon

    Fit female using technology scan to biohack her health and fitness in 2026
    Wellness

    10 Biohacking Trends for 2026 to Keep On Your Radar Now

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Joshua Alvord performing a behind the neck squat
    Pro Tips

    This Air Force Honor Guard Member Takes Being Fit To Serve Seriously

    Bodybuilder Dorian Yates shares his forearm training secrets
    Training

    The Trick that Helped Dorian Yates Grow Olympia-size Forearms

    Olympia Expo
    News

    Olympia Announces B2B Growth Opportunity for Sponsors and Exhibitors

    Menace Podcast
    News

    Sergey Danilov is “Going to Be a Problem,” says Milos Sarcev

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Kahley Schiller
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    Why Every Day for Kahley Schiller Feels Like a Super Bowl Win

    Dana Linn Bailey demonstrating her 3 Set Leg Day Challenge workout
    Hers Workouts

    Torch Your Quads Fast With This High-Intensity Workout

    NKO Club by Kendall Toole an App for fit women
    Hers Features

    Kendall Toole is 'Knocking Out' both Physical and Mental Health

    Jessica Biel’s ‘The Better Sister’ Workout
    Hers Workouts

    How Jessica Biel Sculpted Her Upper Body for 'Better Sister'

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Glamorous Hollywood actress in a black evening gown posing at a red carpet event, representing one of the hottest female celebrities in Hollywood
Women

The 25 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
Healthy Eating

9 Healthiest Rubs and Marinades for Low-Carb Grilling

Keep your cookouts diet-friendly with these delicious and nutritious dry rubs and marinades.

by Christy Brissette
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Chicken on the Grill
Guido Mieth/Getty
View Gallery

9 Healthiest Rubs and Marinades for Low-Carb Grilling

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 10

1 of 10

Chicken on the Grill

Guido Mieth/Getty

Delicious and Healthy Marinades and Rubs for Grilling

You already know grilling is pretty damn healthy. Nothing says summer like freshly grilled chicken instead of the usual oven-roasted variety.But here’s the rub (pun intended): The ingredients in many grilling marinades and rubs can absolutely destroy your daily macro balance. Many store-bought versions are loaded with sugar, salt, and way too many preservatives.That’s why having a few healthy go-to recipes is essential. As a physique-minded grillmaster, you’ll make your grilled food taste great and do your body good.Here, we’ve listed nine ultra-healthy flavor-enhancers to add to your meat, chicken, and fish before you toss them on the grill. They’re loaded with antioxidants, and there’s no added sugar—that means these recipes are low-carb, and keto-friendly, and perfectly clear of your carb macros. Grill on.Christy Brissette is a registered dietician and the author of 80 Twenty Nutrition.

2 of 10

Lemon Dijon Marinade

Christy Brissette, 80 Twenty Nutrition

Lemon Dijon Marinade

This lemon dijon marinade is more than just flavorful. Mustard offers some of the same benefits as dark, leafy greens. On top of that, this recipe’s got an immune-boosting kick thanks to parsley.Learn how to make it here. 

3 of 10

Spicy Jerk Marinade

Christy Brissette, 80 Twenty Nutrition

Spicy Jerk Marinade

Get your heat fix with this spicy jerk marinade, channeling Jamaican flavors and adding capsaicin to your dish. Why capsaicin? It’s an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that may also help sore joints. Learn how to make it here. 

4 of 10

Kung Pao Marinade

Christy Brissette, 80 Twenty Nutrition

Kung Pao Marinade

Ginger and sesame give this Kung Pao marinade an exotic and spicy kick in addition to helping your joints stay strong and flexible.Learn how to make it here. 

5 of 10

Cumin Lime Marinade

Christy Brissette, 80 Twenty Nutrition

Cumin Lime Marinade

Put an exotic twist on your grilling with this savory marinade. Cumin and lime both have plenty of health benefits, from boosting your metabolism to keeping your heart healthy. Learn how to make it here. 

6 of 10

Cilantro Mint Marinade

Jessica Fishman Levinson, Nutritioulicious

Cilantro Mint Marinade

This fresh, bright marinade is perfect for summer and great on any meat as well as grilled veggies. Cilantro is rich in vitamin K, and mint is anti-inflammatory on top of aiding digestion. Learn how to make it here. 

7 of 10

Tandoori Marinade

Tracee Yablon Brenner of 'Triad to Wellness'

Tandoori Marinade

Fenugreek and skyr are two exotic ingredients that are loaded with flavor. This Indian-inspired marinade will add flavor, and muscle-building protein and calcium to your favorite meat. Learn how to make it here. 

8 of 10

A Bowl Of powder Turmeric On A Table

Shutterstock

Turmeric Sumac Marinade

These spices may be colorful and flavorful, but both also pack a nutritional punch. Turmeric has been making waves for research linking it to cancer prevention, and sumac is full of antioxidants. Learn how to make it here. 

9 of 10

Grilled Chicken

Christy Brissette, 80 Twenty Nutrition

Cajun Spice Rub

This garlicky, spicy cajun rub goes with almost any meat or fish, and it might even protect your heart. Garlic is also known to lower blood pressure and ward off colds. Learn how to make it here.

10 of 10

Dry Rub For Ribs

Christy Brissette, 80 Twenty Nutrition

Caraway Paprika Dry Rub

This rub, created specifically for ribs, is good for any high-fat meats. A tablespoon of paprika provides all of the vitamin A you need in a day, and caraway can help relieve heartburn and improve digestion to prevent bloating. Learn how to make it here. 

Back to intro

Delicious and Healthy Marinades and Rubs for Grilling

You already know grilling is pretty damn healthy. Nothing says summer like freshly grilled chicken instead of the usual oven-roasted variety.

But here’s the rub (pun intended): The ingredients in many grilling marinades and rubs can absolutely destroy your daily macro balance. Many store-bought versions are loaded with sugar, salt, and way too many preservatives.

That’s why having a few healthy go-to recipes is essential. As a physique-minded grillmaster, you’ll make your grilled food taste great and do your body good.

Here, we’ve listed nine ultra-healthy flavor-enhancers to add to your meat, chicken, and fish before you toss them on the grill. They’re loaded with antioxidants, and there’s no added sugar—that means these recipes are low-carb, and keto-friendly, and perfectly clear of your carb macros. Grill on.

Christy Brissette is a registered dietician and the author of 80 Twenty Nutrition.

Lemon Dijon Marinade

This lemon dijon marinade is more than just flavorful. Mustard offers some of the same benefits as dark, leafy greens. On top of that, this recipe’s got an immune-boosting kick thanks to parsley.

Learn how to make it here. 

Spicy Jerk Marinade

Get your heat fix with this spicy jerk marinade, channeling Jamaican flavors and adding capsaicin to your dish. Why capsaicin? It’s an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that may also help sore joints. 

Learn how to make it here. 

Kung Pao Marinade

Ginger and sesame give this Kung Pao marinade an exotic and spicy kick in addition to helping your joints stay strong and flexible.

Learn how to make it here. 

Cumin Lime Marinade

Put an exotic twist on your grilling with this savory marinade. Cumin and lime both have plenty of health benefits, from boosting your metabolism to keeping your heart healthy. 

Learn how to make it here. 

Cilantro Mint Marinade

This fresh, bright marinade is perfect for summer and great on any meat as well as grilled veggies. Cilantro is rich in vitamin K, and mint is anti-inflammatory on top of aiding digestion. 

Learn how to make it here. 

Tandoori Marinade

Fenugreek and skyr are two exotic ingredients that are loaded with flavor. This Indian-inspired marinade will add flavor, and muscle-building protein and calcium to your favorite meat. 

Learn how to make it here. 

Turmeric Sumac Marinade

These spices may be colorful and flavorful, but both also pack a nutritional punch. Turmeric has been making waves for research linking it to cancer prevention, and sumac is full of antioxidants. 

Learn how to make it here. 

Cajun Spice Rub

This garlicky, spicy cajun rub goes with almost any meat or fish, and it might even protect your heart. Garlic is also known to lower blood pressure and ward off colds. 

Learn how to make it here.

Caraway Paprika Dry Rub

This rub, created specifically for ribs, is good for any high-fat meats. A tablespoon of paprika provides all of the vitamin A you need in a day, and caraway can help relieve heartburn and improve digestion to prevent bloating. 

Learn how to make it here. 

Topics:
  • Diet
  • Fat Loss
  • Healthy Foods
Author picture
Written by Christy Brissette
Also by Christy Brissette
A Variety of holiday treats in a gift basket
Healthy Eating

10 Clean Holiday Treat Recipes

Santa Grabbing Christmas Cookies
Lose Fat

11 Ways to Fight Off Mindless Overeating This Holiday Season

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Various Healthy Post workout foods display in a heart shape bowl for
Healthy Eating

Best Post-Workout Foods for Muscle Recovery, Growth, and Heart Health

Here’s how to optimize your post-workout nutrition and be the best that you can be.

Read article
Healthy oatmeal breakfast with fresh fruit and nuts
Healthy Eating

The Truth About Oatmeal: Which Oats Are Actually the Healthiest?

Here’s how and why oats beat refined grains—and how to build the healthiest bowl.

Read article
Various healthy frozen foods stored in a freezer
Healthy Eating

One Dietitian's 5 Most Healthiest Frozen Foods

Frozen foods can be convenient, inexpensive, and nutritious. Here are the frost bites you should be eating more of.

Read article
All Healthy Eating
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Nutrition
  4. /
  5. Healthy Eating
  6. /
  7. 9 Healthiest Rubs and Marinades for Low-Carb Grilling
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2026 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement