What is the healthiest soul food?

“Braised collard greens, stewed black-eyed peas, and Oxtail are my go-to’s for a healthy soul food meal,” says Buckley. Not only are these dishes packed with immense flavor, but they also have a pretty dense nutrient profile too.

Is there a such thing as healthy soul food?

Nutrient-rich dishes and leafy green vegetables are also staples of soul food. Many items commonly associated with soul food are linked to an increased risk of several illnesses, including heart disease. Yet, soul food can be made much healthier by emphasizing the tradition’s nutritious dishes.

Can Southern food be healthy?

Like any other cuisine, Southern food has both healthy and unhealthy components, but it certainly has its roots in simple, plant-based foods. Greens, sweet potatoes and heirloom vegetables haven’t gone out of style and restaurants throughout the South are focusing on vegetable-based menus.

What’s a good soul food meal?

Typical Soul food Dinner Dishes include:

  • Chicken, pork (Usually fried)
  • Or Fried fish, or pork with chitins on top (pig intestines)
  • Black-eyed peas, Candied yams, macaroni and cheese, stewed greens (cabbage, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens)
  • Cornbread; slices or a muffin.
  • Red drink – red juice or punch.

Why is Southern food so unhealthy?

The Southern diet is typically high in processed meats, which are high in salt and in nitrates, which are in turn linked to heart risk. The high sugar content of the diet may also lead to negative effects, like insulin resistance and inflammation.

What makes soul food unhealthy?

Traditional soul food can be high in saturated fat, salt and added sugar. Too much of these things can negatively impact your family’s health. But you can embrace those special family recipes by creating healthier soul food, your way.

Why is Southern cuisine so unhealthy?

How do I make soul food healthier?

Try Something New

  1. Use smoked paprika or a sprinkle of smoked salt for savory, smoked flavor instead of ham, bacon or salt pork.
  2. Sauté kale or chard in olive oil and garlic for a quick and satisfying side dish.
  3. Experiment with vinegars. Apple cider and rice vinegars work with a variety of greens.
  4. Try fresh herbs.

What is the Southern diet?

The Southern diet is characterized by added fats, fried foods, eggs, organ meats (such as liver or giblets), processed meats (such as deli meat, bacon and hotdogs) and sugar-sweetened beverages. The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and legumes and low in meat and dairy.

What food is the South known for?

35 Foods to Eat in the South Before You Die

  • Biscuits and Gravy.
  • Southern BBQ.
  • Shrimp and Grits.
  • Mac and Cheese.
  • Fried Green Tomatoes.
  • Collard Greens.
  • Chicken Pot Pie.
  • Fried Chicken.