Let’s talk about “Soul Food.”
Food that transports you from the chaos of everyday life, invokes feelings of happiness that warm the body, mind and soul.
I know what you’re thinking:
Macaroni and cheese.
Shrimp and grits.
Fried Chicken.
Mashed Potatoes.
Banana Cream Pie.
These dishes may traditionally be referred to as “soul food” but the reality couldn’t be farther from the truth. The interconnectedness of what you eat, how you feel, how you think, and how you act show up in the world leaves no room to “unfeed” yourself.
The growing knowledge, awareness, and availability of healthy food and recipes leaves no excuse to be eating anything other than quality, fresh, and local ingredients; or as we call it: “Real Soul Food.”
Want to really feed your soul?
Rather than the carb and fat overload of traditional soul food, try ” target=”_blank”>or strawberry Greek yogurt with peanut butter pretzel streusel. Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, probiotics and calcium. It also helps regulate hunger and promotes healthy bones and digestion. There is no added sugar so blood sugar levels don’t spike and the granola/pretzel streusel adds texture without the processed ingredients that traditional banana pudding contains.
Shrimp and grits are delicious, but they’re also made with lots of butter, cream and corn, and has minimal health benefits. Try grilled shrimp and wheat berries tossed with rosemary and olive oil. Wheat berries are whole grains, which have a long list of health benefits. Studies continue to show that consuming whole grains can help lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Research has also shown that substituting whole grains for their refined counterparts can help with weight control.
With just a few easy (and yummy!) substitutions, you’ll have the energy to really, truly show up in your life. Now that’s what I call real soul food.
This appears as a guest article on “>RELIsh Life is Arielle's life & wellness coaching site. Arielle offer's guidance and empowerment to a healthier more fullfilling life through certified life and wellness coaching, as well as custom cooking classes.
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