February Food Observances Made Healthy
By Brandi Goodman
February offers lots of food observances. Many of them are on the unhealthy side, meaning you'll need to find some new recipes to make those dates worthwhile. Come up with healthier versions of your favorites now so you can be prepared when the day arrives.
Canned Food Month
The entire month of February is dedicated to canned foods. Many foods found preserved in cans have faraway expiration dates due to all of the extra chemicals involved. They're not the healthiest option you can find, as whole foods are much more worthwhile for your well-being. However, you can still enjoy some canned versions on occasion. Just be sure you're selecting low-sodium and low-fat versions that aren't as high in calories. Stick with fruits in veggies in water over syrup as well to limit sugar.
Pancake Day
Pancake Day is the perfect time to enjoy a breakfast of hot, fluffy pancakes. You can purchase a protein version that helps fill you up faster. Add in some fruit and use a fruit sauce or peanut butter for toppings instead of syrup.
Chili Day
Chili is a common winter dish. Make your version healthier by limiting the amount of sodium you put in it. Choose low-sodium ingredients or purchase whole ingredients from the produce aisle to use instead. You should also skip the ready-made chili seasoning packet and opt for your own spices. Use multiple versions of beans and go easy on the hamburger. Turkey burger works well.
Strawberry Day
Too many people think they need to cover strawberries up to enjoy them. Adding chocolate or whipped cream might make for a yummy dessert, but you're adding more sugar than you need. Dice up some strawberries and enjoy them with some Greek yogurt instead for a filling, sweet treat.
Potato Lovers Month
The entire month is also dedicated to potato lovers. Potatoes are a versatile food that can be made into so many different dishes. Mashed potatoes and fried versions are the least nutritious in most cases. Butter and salt gets added far more than it needs to. Try some other seasonings instead of salt so you don't raise your blood pressure. You should also opt for a baked potato with the skin, since this is where the majority of the nutrients lie.
Every meal can be made into a healthier version if you take the time to try. Limit your sodium and sugar, in particular, to help ensure the meal is more worthwhile for your body. You can celebrate any food observance in a healthy way by making a few tweaks to the recipe or choosing alternatives at the store.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree City, Ga.