Healthy Soul Food Cooking
Posted January 31, 2009 11:05 pm in Better Health, Eating, Info by admin Comments Off
Soul food cooking has been a staple in many diets for many generations. Soul food cooking traditionally has been a way to celebrate the family. Getting together to share good food and good conversation was the basis of soul food cooking. Although soul food cooking is one of the most sought after types of cooking it hasn’t always been the healthiest. With a new awareness of certain health issues this however is changing very rapidly and many people have found alternative ways to keep the rich flavor of the food while providing a much healthier menu. Many have acheived this goal by making a few simple substitutions when preparing this type of meal.
Substitutions that will make for a much healthier menu. One of these substitutions is cooking with altenative forms of oils, such as canola oil, or olive oil. Olive oil has many health benefits and is a great alternative to other oils. Many have also discontinued the seasonig practices of flavoring with meat. Instead of placing meat in as flavoring natural herds, garlic, peppers, and onions are being used to add a burst of flavor to many traditional dishes. Many of the vegetables are also being cooked without the extra grease and fat and are being seasoned with natural herbs and other flavorful altternatives from the garden.
Many people are beginning to realize the health benefits of flavoring with onions, garlic, peppers and herbs. Many of these garden seasonings help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, help fight cancer, manage diabetes and heart disease. Some other changes in the soul food menu is the option to bake instead of frying. Choosing to bake instead of frying reduces calories and fat while still providing tons of flavor. These simple changes help to reduce calories, fat and can be very heart healthy ways to provide meals for your family and friends.