You wouldn’t think a little drizzle or a sprinkling of your favorite condiment could make any difference in your quest for healthy eating. Trouble is, most of us go overboard and a “little something” becomes a dollop, which could mean a big bomb of extra salt, fat, and sugar.
“With processed refined soybean oil as the main ingredient in most mayo’s, there’s nothing healthy about mayonnaise,” says registered dietitian Asvini Mashru, RD, of Wellness Nutrition Concepts in Malvern, Pennsylvania. “Tartar sauce has the same issues as mayo. If you can find a mayo made with 100 percent olive oil instead of soybean oil, this would actually be a healthy choice.” Or make your own mayonnaise for a healthier option.
Piping hot French fries with a side of ketchup is an American favorite side but even if the fries are baked and not fried, dipping them in ketchup isn’t the healthiest way to go. According to Monica Auslander, a registered dietitian and founder of Essence Nutrition, one teaspoon is the equivalent of eating a sugar packet.
“It’s deceiving because it has no fat, so people think they can enjoy freely. Unfortunately, we now know that sugar is for more insidious than fat.” Her recipe for healthier ketchup includes: a jar of organic, unsweetened tomato paste and add a teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water.
Turns out your healthy salad isn’t so healthy when you drizzle on fat-free dressing. “Most fat-free salad dressings are simply loaded with extra sugar,” states Mashru. “Remember that you need a good fat source to go with your salad to help absorb the vitamins and minerals in your veggies, so fat-free dressing is not a good option.”
It’s been called the Chinese version of American BBQ sauce because like BBQ sauce, it’s deliciously sweet, spicy, and salty. Unfortunately, it’s a sugar bomb for your chop sticks.
Danielle Flug Capalino, a registered dietitian in New York City recommends oyster or sweet and sour sauce as a healthier option, like in this vegetable dish. “Oyster sauce another staple Chinese flavor is also sweet but has half the sugar as hoisin sauce.”
“Salads are healthy, so we are quick to ignore the nutritional value of the dressing we drizzle over them,” says Capalino. Instead of pouring on extra fat and calories with ranch dressing, try a tablespoon of tahini instead, suggests Capalino. “Tahini is made of ground sesame seeds, and although it is high in fat, it is good unsaturated fat.” She suggests diluting the tahini in a 1:1 ratio with water to thin out the consistency if desired.
dding a little kick of hot sauce could add a big bang of sodium to your favorite dish. Hot sauces can contain upwards of 200 mg of sodium per teaspoon. The American Heart Association recommends staying within 1,500 mg of sodium daily. Let’s face it: You’re probably using more than a measly teaspoon on your wings and nachos.
Lori Williams, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center recommends using red pepper flakes or fresh hot peppers, like jalapenos to get the heat you desire in a healthier way – not to mention, hot peppers could make you live longer!
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