By:Soul-food advisor.com
Many believe that if its not fried, its not soul food. But contrary to that myth, fried foods does not define soul-food. Frying was only one method used by African American slaves to prepare their food. They also boiled, grilled, roasted, and baked their meals. When I think about soul food , I just don’t just think about fried chicken, collard green, or sweet potato pie. Soul-food is not just about the food, its about the stories behind the food.
It’s about African American slaves during their struggles through hard and difficult times. It’s about nourishing families with meals they had no idea where they were coming from. And its about creating fond memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime. This is really what soul-food is all about.
One of the biggest challenges preparing soul-food dishes is that people fear consuming too much fat and calories. But, the truth is — you can consume too much fat and calories with whatever foods you’re eating. There are numerous ethnic foods from other cultures that are non-fried, yet high calories dishes. But when you add baked chicken, fresh fruit, and vegetables, you have a well-balanced meal. Again, it’s how you prepare your food.
THE GOOD NEWS
Today eating healthy does not mean giving up the home-cooked soul-food we’re used to. It’s a matter of rethinking our eating habits and developing a healthier lifestyle. Collard greens, for example, is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and so is most soul-food, however, it’s how you prepare them that can make them unhealthy. What you add to your pot while cooking, and the type of meat you season with–makes all the difference in the world.
To be perfectly honest, you can take a simple low-calorie lettuce salad and turn it unhealthy just by adding loads of cheese, bacon bits, ham, and high-calorie salad dressing. So, it’s just a matter of how you prepare the foods you love.
THE ALTERNATIVE
Today we have healthier alternatives to assist us in preparing good tasting, yet low-fat meals for our family. Many southern and soul-food recipes can be altered to reduced-fat and calories. But the key to soul-food cooking is knowing how to do that without sacrificing taste.
Oven Fried Chicken, for example, is very tasty and a healthy choice from the traditional pan frying. And its low-fat. When you learn to prepare your foods differently, you will reap the health benefits. To control your weight, my best advice is to eat less fat, sugar, and consume less salt, calories with whatever food you’re eating.
We have reduced-fat and low-fat recipes for you to try that are both healthy and delicious. These quick and easy dishes will give you a head start on preparing great low-fat and reduced-fat meals for your family. You’ll be amazed how delicious these recipes are and you’re discover that with just a few ingredients low-fat cooking is a real winner.
Get more information and recipes @http://www.soul-food-advisor.com/soul-food-low-fat.html
