Getting Saucy

Let’s talk sauces. Those delicious surprises that turn delicious creations into delicious wonders. Sauces are integral to many dishes, but shouldn’t be over done. Because there are so many different sauces out there and trying to cover them would be limited, limiting, and impossible, I am going to go with guidelines instead. (If you haven’t noticed, I pretty much think in guidelines.)

1) Check out the ingredients. Generally, sauces are high in sugars or salt (and sometimes both). I’m not saying to trash them, but maybe just try to use less.

2) Get more bang for your buck. So, this isn’t really a money issue, but the saying kind of works? Try to get more out of your sauces/flavoring. I almost always use vegetable stalk instead of salt. That way I get more flavors with the salt, and everyone is happy.

3) Your body and taste buds get used to less salt/sugar in your dishes, and they LOVE it more. Really.

4) If a sauce is new to you, google the ingredients. You will be surprised what is in it.

5) If possible, make your own sauces. For example, I make my own very simple honey mustard sauce, and I avoid the added sugars.

Happy Eating,

Ashley

Restaurant Menus

Remember how I talked about being a hermit? And how everyone isn’t a hermit? Well this one is for all of my non-hermit allies there are out there. I support your way of life.

First off, let me say that, when possible, going to a restaurant is the easiest way to eat healthy when socializing with friends (except when you cook… but whose got time for that?). What? Wait? No! I heard that eating out is really unhealthy and restaurants add insane amounts of sauces and fats to their food to make them taste better? True, but restaurants can be easier as far as not having to inconvenience friends and can be relatively healthy if you follow some simple guidelines.

1) Read the whole menu, carefully. The more options you have, the more informed and better your choice. And I stress “carefully” because you never want to think you are ordering a healthy dish and miss the word “cream sauce,” for example.

2) Always ask what the sides are. Restaurants are usually really nice about changing the sides offered with a dish. I generally look at the sides offered with other dishes and pick a substitute ahead of time to make it easier for the waiter/waitress.

3) If you have questions, ask. Always ask. Is it fried or grilled? Is it a vegetable mix with fresh spring vegetables or a potato mix?

4) If possible, read the menu beforehand. It just makes life less stressful.

5) If you have the option, try to pick a restaurant you know is healthy. Even if you order a “healthy” sounding dish in a not so healthy restaurant you will probably be a little unpleasantly surprised (like your steamed vegetables are soaked in butter).

Happy eating, you social butterflies,

Ashley

Alternative Milks 101

As I stated in an earlier post that talked about dairy, I am a supporter and fan of alternative milks. But I do have a few points to address.

First, there are many types of alternative milks, some of the most common being soy, rice, oatmeal, hemp, quinoa, and hazelnut. The least healthy and most common of these alternative milks is, hands down, our cherished soy. In general, you have to be cautious of the amount of soy products you consume because soy is very popular and has, thus, been genetically modified to increase its resistance and usually is produced with lots of pesticides to increase its yield.

However, cow’s milk and other cow’s milk products are super full of antibiotics (and puss…) and, alongside with eggs, are one of the foods with the highest number of harmful substances. Please try to buy organic eggs and cow’s milk products. Always.

Due to the harmful added ingredients in cow’s milk and soy products, I try to stay away from both (with the exception of greek yogurt, but that’s because its integral to my diet, and I buy it organic). Regardless, these cautions still leave the rest of the alternative milk rainbow from which to choose!

My only general caution about the other milks comes from the ingredients list. Many vanilla, chocolate, and even plain flavored alternative milks contain a LOT of added sugar. So just be sure to check what order it appears on the ingredients list (and hopefully doesn’t appear :P), and all will be well. 🙂

As far as my personal favorite, I am a huge fan of rice milk! This feeling may go back to my positive experiences of discovering the wonderful product during one of my first parent-free travels during the start of college with my best friend, but I like to think it’s because rice milk is God sent. (I’m sure it’s the latter.)

What about other alternative milk products? Like yogurt and ice cream? Well, they can be healthier than the original product, but a lot of the time they are full of added sugars to make up for the lack of fat, so just check for that. Also, I don’t like alternative yogurts. I just could never get used to them. (G even likes them…) I like the fresh, natural taste of greek yogurt (surprise, surprise). But, I do like alternative coconut milk ice creams. Coconut milk is naturally high in fats (good fats, as long as you don’t go crazy), and I’ve found a few good brands that carry coconut milk ice cream with a minimal amount of added cane sugar (just for a treat :)). Also, I use coconut milk a lot for baking in place or heavy cream. I’ve even heard coconut butter is quite a good butter substitute (never tried it).

Soon I’ll post a coconut milk brown rice pudding recipe that is TO DIE FOR. Did I mention it’s sweetened only with honey? NOM.

Happy Eating,

Ashley