(emily)
A lot of people seem to make the assumption that if they’re to eat “better” or “healthy,” they have to sacrifice flavor and eat bland and boring food. So they ditch their cookies for celery sticks and suffer through a few weeks (or days) because they believe that to be healthy they can no longer enjoy food.
That’s so sad because it’s so not true. Just because something is healthy doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious! Even the simplest ingredients can give your food a burst of flavor.
If you’re cutting down on sodium, there are tons of ways you can still cook tasty food. Our friends over at the blog Mama Knows What? suggest sautéing veggies in coconut oil or adding lemon or lime juice to chicken dishes instead of salt. (Check out their recipe for Cilantro Lemonade, too! It’s fantastic!) Coconut oil, lemon juice, and herbs like cilantro add flavor without adding any of that junky stuff, plus they work great if your starting to introduce little ones to solid food.
If you’re looking for alternatives for sugar, using bananas, honey, or applesauce to sweeten food works well. If you use honey, try to buy organic and local honey because it will retain its antimicrobial properties.
As for bananas, I personally love freezing bananas and then blending them because the result is a delicious frozen treat with the consistency of ice cream without added sugars or dairy. 1 banana is enough for me, and so yummy!
The simple truth is that cutting out sugar, salt, and processed junk food does not mean you have to eat tasteless food. Experiment with natural ingredients and see what you and your family prefer.
What alternatives do you use instead of salt and sugar?
If you’re interested in learning more about sugar alternatives, Franklin Goose will be hosting a class, Healthy Sugar Alternatives for your Family Food, on September 25 at our Richmond Store. The class will be taught by Lynnette of Nettie’s Naturally, and will look at the available options that provide a natural and low glycemic sweetener without the risk of a sugar rush and crash. (FG)