Which healthy substitutes actually taste better to you?
Please indulge me here - Now that Americans need a lot fewer calories to get through the day, what kind of single- product substitutions from the typical American diet do you make? For example, I was averse to the idea of using soy milk in my morning coffee: latte with soy milk? isn't that just for vegans or people with severe health problems? But the "original" flavor soy milk actually tastes better in my coffee than 2% milk. It's also much better for me. Another example, I eat american cheese now because I love the horizon organics cheese slices.
Opinions?
fara
Aug 04, 2007 09:56AM
I've been a big fan of buttered noodles since childhood. I know seem to enjoy them more with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and perhaps a bit of freshly grated cheese on top.
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This may sound like splitting hairs, but I don't understand the lead sentence, "Now that Americans need a lot fewer calories to get through the day...".
If you're suggesting that you're one of a large percentage of Americans that consume more calories than they need, that's a different thing that suggesting some genetic biological change overcame the entire country last week that changed the collective metabolism of every citizen, which is sort of how the sentence currently reads to me.
In either case my response would be: Over the past decade I've actually gone back to full fat versions of everything because it tastes better. I just learned I don't need to stuff myself and have used that to bring my weight down a little and to control it. Chips will undo everything ;-)
The two areas where I'm still experimenting is with oils and figuring out how to use both healthier oils and to use them more efficiently so less oil remains in the food, and trying to do without egg yolks where I think they're not absolutely necessary for cholesterol control.
Whether I need 1500 calories or 2000 depending on what I'm burning, I'd figure it out and eat smaller portions of stuff I like than substitute things that aren't as tasty.
Thankfully I like the taste of coffee so I have no need for a latte when a macchiato or a straight black cup of a good single origin would do. That way I can save my daily cow's milk intake for my cereal.
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I meant that the average person needs fewer calories to maintain their weight due to a more sedentary lifestyle than 50, 100 years ago.
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I'm with you on the smaller portions--most low-calorie substitutes taste nasty and/or are unhealthy (e.g. sweeteners) and just aren't worth it. That said, I do sometimes use low-fat ricotta or milk in recipes without sacrificing too much flavor, and sometimes I use less oil or butter than recommended.
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ground flaxseed/meal is a great, healthy substitute for eggs in a wide range of baked goods, from muffins and cupcakes to breads and crackers.
unfortunately if you're looking for an egg yolk replacement in recipes for sauces [i.e. aioli, bearnaise, zabaglione] or custard-like preparations, it wouldn't quite work :)
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Depending on what you're making, you can use low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock to stretch out oil.
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Well put, I agree entirely.
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Low-fat granola cereal (regular versions taste too much like crumbled cookie)
Baked Lays (regular versions are too greasy)
Low-fat Wheat Thins (again, the regular version are a bit too greasy)
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Don't like those baked Lays at all. They just don't taste like potato chips to me.
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Some people like the baked chips, but to me they might as well be sawdust. Reduced fat chips, though, are better than full-fat, often.
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IIRC, Baked Lays also contain many more artificial agents and crap than regular Lays, probably to compensate for the fact that baked potato chips are an unappealing mess.
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as is the case with so many 'light' or 'reduced-fat/low-fat' versions of foods, low-fat granola often isn't any healthier than its full-fat counterparts because they replace the fat with additional sugar, often in the form of evil ingredients like HFCS.
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Reduced fat potato chips, yes, but the "baked" ones? Only good for a salt fix, the texture is horrible, like Pringles, which to me are "kid food," food that's made for kids' immature taste buds.
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I'd rather eat Pringles than Baked Lays.
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Me too.
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Thirded. I'd rather not eat than eat Baked Lays.
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They taste pretty similar to me, but I must admit I haven't had either in years.
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These are of course very *personal* preferences:
Spaghetti squash over pasta
Mashed cauliflower (no butter or cream) instead of potatoes
Butternut squash instead of yams/sweet potatoes (not necessarily "healthier" but lower calorie per serving)
egg whies to whole eggs
Non-fat frozen yogurt (soft serve NOT hard pack) instead of ice cream
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Butter instead of margarine made with partially hydrogenated oils.
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I'm a little confused by the milk comment. I don't understand why people automatically assume soy milk is healthier than regular milk. It has no natural calcium in it, often contains a lot of added sugar, and is high in sodium. While I get that soy has its other benefits with the cancer prevention and whatnot, I still cannot view it as a suitable alternative for regular milk -- especially not for health reasons.
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As far as I'm concerned, the "healthy substitutes" are often less healthy than whatever they're supposed to replace...whole foods are where it's at. I'd rather use full-fat milk from grassfed animals, eat steaks and delicious artisan cheeses. I hate the taste of artificial sweeteners, low-fat dairy products and the mouthfeel of anything with hydrogenated oils. I just supplement the good stuff with lots of fresh, local fruits and veggies to keep my caloric intake under control.
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hi, op here. thanks for responding.
gwertyu - you are incorrect. apart from calcium and phosphorous, which I actually like to get from other dairy products like whole fat plain yoghurt and cheese, soy milk is far more nutritious than cow milk. also calcium and phosphorous are found in plenty of other healthier foods than cow milk.
Soy milk has less fat, more protein, more natural vitamins and minerals. 1 serving of edensoy organic soy milk contains 4 % sodium, cow milk has marginally less. Whole-fat cow milk has much more sugar, 13 g vs 7 g in organic soy milk.
Here are the ingredients in Edensoy organic soy milk: water, oranic soybeans, malted organic wheat and barley extract, calcium carbonate, kombu seaweed, sea salt. So the only minerals added are calcium and sodium - all other vitamins and minerals are inherent in the soy bean and the unprocessed seaweed(which is in low amounts)
suzannep - the things you list as "healthy substitutes" are definitely unhealthy, good for you.
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"no natural calcium in " soymilk. It is just NOT true. It has more and is more available for absorption. No added sugar either or high in sodium. No MUCUS formation like with milk. After all milk are the pus cells from the cow's blood.
I make soymilk for a couple of cents a quart without any of the things you mention, and it is better then milk for nutritional advantages. Milk is highly processed and deteriorates rapidly. Infants would have less ear infections after weaning by not drinking cow's milk.
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Soy beverage info that would seem to contradict or at the very least qualify the above "nutrition" advice:
Go Ask Alice (Columbia University):
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1861.html
Become Natural:
http://www.becomenatural.com/blog/2007/03/soy-milk-vs-regular-milk/
University of California, Berkeley:
http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/eating/soymilk.html
The Diet Channel: http://www.thedietchannel.com/AskTheExpert/natural-health/Soy-milk-vs-cow-milk-Which-is-better.htm
Cooking Light:
http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking/h...
Mind you, I didn't have to go searching for this. These were simply the first five listed links on Google for the phrase "Soy milk vs. cow milk nutritional values".
YMMV.
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(!!) --- I used the USDA nutritional data base.
None of the links you list are backed by nutritionists or the government. Milk is not technically cow "pus" but it is not an essential food for adults.
In particular the "columbia" site, which has really strange and deviant advice (no nutritionist's names listed - advise to drink 3 1/3 cups of milk a day!) is way off the mainstream advice, even the government advice partially influenced by the milk producers. Children need milk, especially whole milk, for the fat, calcium, and phosphorous, and because they can digest milk proteins easily.
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fara,
Wasn't actually referencing your post - it was the one after it which obviously has some other agenda which spurred me to do the Google search..
I personally don't care for soy beverage, but I don't have an issue with it except when somebody is pulling things out of the air to support their position for it (again, not suggesting your earlier posts, but others).
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How do you make soy milk? Would you be able to share with us? I'd love to make my own since I always seem to run out!
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I think it's pretty straightforward: soak soybeans, purée in water, strain. Not sure on the beans-to-water ratio, though. (FYI, works for almond milk, too.)
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Pus cells? Are you unfamiliar with the mechanisms of milk production in mammals? It's not all white blood cells (the white "pus" that responds to an infection.) Lactation and infection are not related.
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I think the "milk is pus" crowd's misinformation stems from the rBST/bovine growth hormone issue. Apparently cows all jacked up on hormones can develop swollen udders and teats that become infected. Pus can then get into the milk during the milking process. Saw this in the documentary "The Corporation".
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As a soon-to-be lactator, I'm a bit sensitive about the properties of milk!
Another reason to only by rBST free milk -- even if you're not buying organic, rBST free is fairly easy to find.
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Skim milk - I'm so used to it that even 2% tastes too creamy to me.
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I love oatmeal, but add no milk or sugar. Just a small shaving of butter, salt and pepper.
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Me too, I prefer skim milk in coffee drinks. When they accidentally give me whole, it tastes somehow cloying, and obscures the flavor of the espresso too much.
Cheese-its are better in the reduced fat version...not that I need to be eating Cheese-its at all. Dark chocolate is better than milk, assuming one buys into the chocolate for health theories.
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Oven baked sweet potato fries or french fries over fast food french fries- less greasier and more flavorful without trans fat!
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Ooh, and I forgot about whole grains - whole wheat bread, brown rice, etc- some people hate the taste of whole grains but I love the rich taste and heartier texture over white bread or white rice
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A perfectly ripe peach tastes better than an entire delivery pizza, can of pringles, or supersize meal. And I don't feel gross afterwards. My eating habits have improved substantially in the process of becoming a Chowhound. I really did enjoy mindlessly eating all those candy bars and bags of potato chips back in the years between 7th grade and 21 years of age. Now it's seared scallops over mesclun instead of fried chicken patties. Grassfed flank steak instead of greasy burgers, and so on.
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A bunch of sweet, seedless grapes.
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and freezing them or blueberries is great in the summer
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I've been freezing peeled bananas this summer and eating them like popsicles. So good!
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if you want to make it a bit more indulgent without breaking the calorie bank, dip them in [or drizzle with] some melted dark chocolate before freezing...and if you're feeling really saucy, sprinkle some chopped nuts on as well.
your treat is now chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats...a dessert that will leave you feeling satisfied AND virtuous :)
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I live at the jersey shore and chocolate covered frozen bananas on a stick has been a boardwalk staple for years!
I think it is hawked along side the cotton candy - although fried oreos have seem to gain popularity - hmm need to start a thread about the frying of ceratin foods!
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i grew up in north jersey so i was more of a hamptons girl. anyway, your beloved bananas may have a following 'down the shore,' but i found out that they actually originated out here in southern california!
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Mmmmm... I agree completely. Now that peaches are in season here, I no longer find myself reaching for ice cream after dinner.
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I prefer reduced fat sour cream to full fat. I use different brands but I always buy reduced fat unles full fat is absolutely required (as in a few baking recipes etc.)
But generally I don't like reduced fat/reduced calories products. They almost always lose something in translation and it's just not worth it to me. Life is too short to eat crappy tasting food.
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In general, I am drawn to healthier foods so I am pretty lucky that it is not too much of a struggle for me to eat healthily. However, I have a rather pronounced sweettooth, a SO who loves fatty food, and often a need for convenience. These factors have led me to try a lot of the products on the market touted as healthier options and a few have turned out to be preferable to the original. For instance, when my guy gets a bratwurst/sausage craving I now have a brand of chicken sausages I buy instead which are super lowfat/lowcal and easy to prepare quickly with just garlic, diced tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Rather than traditional potato chips, we have started buying mr.krispers brown rice krisps which are super yummy, gluten free, low cal, almost no fat I beleive, and taste better than most any chips I have had. The fact that my chip loving guy prefers these over most chips is a testament to their flavor as he is skeptical of health food in general. Now, instead of buying our standard Jif, we go for more wholesome cashew butter that doesn't have all the artificial stuff and preservatives. This is one substitution that on occasion is shelved for a jar of Jif, but just on occasion =). We are big ice cream people and have it probably three nights a week. This can obviously lead to problems in the waist area so my guy now goes for stoneyfield farms lowfat or fat fre fro-yo and I LOVE Soy Delicious non-dairy frozen dessert. Noth come in lots of flavors, are lowfat, lowcal, and made with wholesome ingredients. There are lots of other more specific substitutes out there, but the MOST helpful thing has just been keeping good produce abundant and available in our home. Rather than sticking it in the drawer, when I return from the grocery I clen and prep a good deal of it. Who is gonna head for the drivethru when there is a mound of fresh cut pineapple or melon right in the fridge?
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mr. krispers chips rock! they're a godsend for gluten-intolerants.
this chicken sausage you've discovered...mind sharing the brand/source?
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Applegate Farms has a really good organic spinaach and feta chicken sausage that is pretty readily available. I get it at my local natural grocer, but they have a product locator on their website. Also, Benetino's Bistro Sensation smoked mozzarella and artichoke chicken sausages, though not organic, are my personal favorite and can actually be found at my local super wal-mart. Theie ingredient list is not entirely wholesome, a couple preservatives, but they are just so darn good. It is the easiest quick dinner, literally just sausages, tomatoes, garlic, artichoke hearts and/or cremini's in a skillet until it is all warmed through. I cook a little angel hair for my SO to accompany the meat and veggies, but that's it and it's super satisfying in like 10 minutes. Also great w/a little side salad.
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i love applegate farms' products...i buy their deli turkey all the time. now i'll definitely have to try the sausage.
thanks!
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If it's fresh and sweet and good, corn on the cob doesn't need butter or salt. Some fresh lime juice is great, but not mandatory. Not exactly a substitute, just a lack of embellishment.
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What I've learned is in a lot of low or non-fat dairy products there is added HFCS I would rather have the fat then the sugar. So read the labels.
I'm with you on the soy in your coffee. I've switched to that as well.
There is a brand of sodas made with natural sugars called Boylans. I get it at my local TJ's
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There are also sodas made with less sugar, with real fruit flavors-- some called soda, some called spritzers-- that I like way better than mainstream sodas, and which have significantly fewer calories (thought still you can't just guzzle them). I've bought some at Whole Foods and got one at a gourmet store-- I think one brand was called GUS -- grown up soda.
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Avoidig the problematic assumptions here, I will say that I've been positively addicted to strawberries and goat's milk yoghurt (in place of cream). It's lower in fat, but rich, thick, creamy full of flavour.
Claims that fruits taste better than pizza and crisps are less convincing, not because fruits aren't delicious (I also happily eat grapefruit for desert) but because these are not satisfying the same urges. Similarly, skinless chicken won't satisfy my desire for strawberries and cream; different cravings.
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I prefer no salt potato chips to salted ones. They taste like