Try Switching Up Your Condiments for Your Health!
By Sara Butler
Condiments are often a bit of an afterthought. You have your favorites you may just add to whatever you’re eating without really thinking about it – but condiments can pack a lot of calories and sugar, adding a lot more to your meal than just flavor. Here are the facts on some of the more common condiments and some ideas for what you may want to use instead.
Just a Tablespoon
So, how do your go-to condiments stack up in the calorie department? Here are the calories in just one tablespoon of condiments that are probably in your refrigerator right now:
- Cream cheese: 50 calories
- Butter: 100 calories
- Half and Half: 20 calories
- Guacamole 25 calories
- Ketchup: 20 calories
- Olive Oil: 120 calories
- Mayo: 95 calories
- Sour cream: 25 calories
- Ranch dressing: 70 calories
- Tartar sauce: 30 calories
You can see how easy it is for all those calories to add up. After all, how many people actually measure out their condiments when they add them to something? You could unknowingly be adding hundreds of calories to your day just through add-ons. If you don’t keep a food journal, this is a great reason why you should give it a try.
Some Alternative Options
If you’re looking for ways to lighten up your condiment load, there are some substitutions that have fewer calories and are just as delicious. For example, on a salad instead of ranch dressing, you should try making your own at home. That way you might be able to substitute some of the ingredients for lower-calorie alternatives and limit the amount of salt in it.
Guacamole is another condiment pitfall. Although avocado is great for your heart, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. You can lighten up your guacamole by mixing it with some salsa. Go for a half and half mixture to help cut the calories.
Mayonnaise is the downfall of a many healthy eater since many people like to add it to a sandwich. You can save some calories by replacing mayo with another creamy concoction – hummus. It has fewer calories and adds some protein. It makes a great sandwich topper as well as a dip for chips and veggies.
The little things you do throughout your day can add up to be a big deal in the calorie department, so it’s important to think about what you’re adding to your food. Being aware is half the battle, choosing healthier alternatives can help you to win the fight!