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Are Banana Pancakes Healthy?

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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Are Banana Pancakes Healthy?

Considering the average person’s workload, having a healthy breakfast is
vital. And many will agree that a healthy serving of banana pancakes is the
best option. But are banana pancakes healthy?
Healthy banana pancakes are undoubtedly a tasty breakfast. They are
beneficial as they are filled with the required nutrients.
Adding other ingredients to the pancake base can add to those
factors. To enhance the protein content, you can add Greek yogurt.
Only then will banana pancakes become a balanced diet.
No matter which recipe you follow, if you use no whole wheat flour, you will
end up with a gluten-free breakfast. And if you make the batter at home
instead of store-bought powder, you will indeed have some healthy banana
pancakes for breakfast.

Health Concerns About Pancakes

Most people consume pancakes because, to them, it is comfort food. When
you wake up in the morning, take a whisk, and make yourself a serving of
pancakes, you look to fill your belly. And like most comfort food, pancakes
lack the nutritional facts one hopes to get from a breakfast.
But there are certain benefits to plain pancakes. One can pair up the store-
bought regular pancake powder with almost anything. Adding eggs to the
pancake batter is one of the most common trends. This supplies you with
the most needed protein that a serving of pancake lacks.

Moreover, if you feel like having something sweet, add a bit of honey or
maple syrup on top of your golden-brown pan-cooked cakes. It will not only
enhance the taste but also add to the total calorie consumption. So,
pancakes are great and healthy comfort food as long as the add-ons you
take are beneficial.
One of the most popular variants of traditional pancakes is healthy banana
pancakes. These cakes are free of any whole wheat flour. So, they are also
the best if you are on a gluten-free diet.

Banana Pancakes Nutritional Facts

Most people know what pancakes are. But many are confused when bananas enter the scene. These healthy pancakes are the easiest to make and only need two ingredients. There is no need for fancy ingredients like pancake batter.

If you wish to make the two-ingredient banana pancakes, then the only things you will need are bananas and eggs. You can add butter, honey, or maple syrup if you want, but that will act as a garnish. This recipe will result in utterly gluten-free banana pancakes. 

Take a look at the nutritional facts for a single serving of banana pancakes, and you will find its actual benefits.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 42 g
Calories78 Kcal
Sugar3.0 g
Total Fat3.5 g
Saturated Fat 1.2 g
Sodium111 mg
Potassium84 mg
Sugar2.4 g
Protein 1.8 g
Total Carbohydrates10 g
Cholesterol15 mg

Why Eat Banana Pancakes?

Now knowing the nutritional values of gluten-free banana pancakes is not
enough. That’s because all the values mean nothing to an average reader.
They don’t know what values are okay and what are bad.
For this reason, we are here to help you understand the significance of
these values.

Calories

A serving of 42 grams of banana pancakes has 78 kcal calories. This
number might seem low, but that is not the case in reality. You can
drastically increase calorie intake by consuming more pancakes or adding
honey to the final product.

Fats

The daily fat needed for an average human is 70 grams. Among these, a
single pancake serving provides you with 5%. Adding some butter to the
cakes will increase this percentage significantly.

Minerals

Banana pancakes have more minerals in them compared to regular ones.
The addition of bananas supplies this additional mineral to the mix. A
simple banana pancake breakfast can satisfy about 10% of your daily
mineral requirements.

Carbs

Many think that as banana pancakes have no whole wheat flour, it has no
carbs in them. They are not wrong, as a pancake breakfast will only fill 3%
of your carb needs.
But this mistake can easily be rectified using eggs and oats in the pancake
batter. And this process is much better than the alternatives.

Banana Pancake Oat Variant

If you find the traditional recipe to not be up to par, you can tweak it in
many different ways. One of the most famous recipes is the healthy banana
pancakes with oats. It takes the classic and simply adds oats to the mix.
The mixture or batter for this type is easy to make. Adding a cup of oats to
the mix is enough to supply you with the needed carps. It also increases
the fiber content as oats are inherently fibery.
But is that a healthy option? Of course, it is! Oats by themselves are great.
And when that same oat is mixed with the banana in the batter, it becomes
a superfood. You can add some almond milk to the mix and enhance the
protein factor that much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are pancakes healthy for weight loss?

Not all pancakes are suitable for weight loss. The ones made from store-
bought powder or whole wheat flour are bad for weight loss. On the other
hand, healthy banana pancakes with a dash of salt are great as diet food.

How many carbs are in banana pancakes?

The carbs in the pancake depend on the toppings and core ingredients.
Traditional healthy banana pancakes for one that is 42 grams contains 10
grams of carb. It may seem low, but it is 3% of the daily requirement, which
adds up as one consumes more pancakes.

Why are banana pancakes better than regular pancakes?

Regular pancakes are the store-bought ones. It is enriched in added sugar
to make it sweet. Moreover, additives are used to make the batter seem
smooth.
In the case of healthy banana pancakes, three ingredients are all you need,
and all of them are good for you.

Is it possible to make healthy banana pancakes without oats?

Yes, it is possible to make banana pancake recipes without oats. You can
altogether avoid it or add other ingredients. Chocolate chips for added
sugar or cinnamon for a kick are highly recommended.
What is the best add-on for banana pancakes?
After using a flat spatula to take the cake off the nonstick skillet, one can
add any toppings to the banana pancakes they want. A scoop of vanilla ice
cream or a dash of honey increases the taste factor.
Our favorite toppings are a scoop of butter with a pinch of salt.

Final Words

No one can say that a pancake for breakfast is not tasty. And if the
pancake in question is made using the banana recipe, it is bound to be
delicious. But many still doubt – are banana pancakes healthy or not?
Compared to the powder pancake obtained from any store, the homemade
ones are far healthier. Adding syrup to the final product or just some boiled
eggs will give you a boost of positive energy. And this energy from the
bananas will keep you running for the day!

Toasted Walnut Tuna Salad

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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Toasted Walnut Tuna Salad

Here’s a super simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to throw together, tastes delicious, and is healthy… in other words, perfect for back-to-school!

I actually don’t typically eat very much canned tuna, but I was hit by a pregnancy craving the other day and I spent some time researching which variety was safe to eat while preggers. Tuna in general should be eaten only in moderation by pregnant women, but chunk light is the lowest in mercury, rendering it the safest choice for occasional consumption.

When I do eat tuna salad, there is one rule I wholeheartedly stick to: NO CELERY! You are probably already well aware of my aversion to the ribbed, stringy vegetable as I’ve mentioned it in numerous posts. Although I hate (yes, hate) celery, I do like a crunchy component to tuna salad.

Here’s where the toasted walnuts come into play.

Commonly found in chicken salad, walnuts also make a great addition to tuna salad… as I found out with this little experiment. Toasting the walnuts gives them extra crunch and deepens their flavor, adding a nice element of surprise to boring old tuna salad.

As for the crackers photographed with the tuna salad, they’re Ritz impostors. I’ve been loving the Whole Foods brand Golden Rounds; another similar option is the Back to Nature Classic Round Crackers. Sure, processed crackers aren’t the absolute best choice for serving with the tuna salad (whole wheat bread or organic greens would be optimal) but they are certainly a welcomed every-now-and-then treat!

Toasted Walnut Tuna Salad

by Lauren Zembron

Name:Toasted Walnut Tuna Salad
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings4
Yield4 servings

Keywords: entree main salad snack fish walnuts

Ingredients (2 servings)

  • 1 can chunk light tuna, preferably wild & pole-caught
  • 2 Tbsp plain 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
  • 3/4 tsp white wine vinegar
  • Kosher or sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 walnut halves, toasted and finely chopped

Instructions

Scoop tuna out into a small bowl and flake.

Stir in the yogurt, mayo, and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Fold in chopped toasted walnuts.

Serve with crackers, in a sandwich, or on a green salad.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 2g
  • Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Vitamin D: 12mcg (60% DV)
  • Calcium: 65mg (5% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
  • Potassium: 322mg (7% DV)

Note: The provided nutrition information is an estimate based on standard portion sizes and ingredients used. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and variations in ingredients.

What I Ate Wednesday Finally

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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What I Ate Wednesday Finally

I’ve received several email inquiries asking if I could share a day of my meals with you… and I’m finally getting around to doing just that! Of course, I decided to partake in the What I Ate Wednesday trend after I packed up my camera, photography set-up, and most of our dishes; so we’ll have to just go with good ol’ iPhone pics. Cool?

I kicked the day off with a bowl (the last one not packed) of Barbara’s Original Puffins, my mom’s homemade granola (the best!) and a sliced banana (which I just got back into eating after about a month-long hiatus).

I’m typically not a huge cold cereal fan when it comes to breakfast, (I prefer eating it as a snack or dessert), but have been loving it lately! It doesn’t keep me full for as long as oatmeal, but as long as I have a mid-morning snack (usually some kind of fruit), I’m good to go until lunch.

Today’s snack was a couple handfuls of organic cherries (no surprise there). Perfection.

Lunch was packed today, and consisted of a melange of foods (we’re trying to empty the fridge and pantry before the big move).

Red grapes & grape tomatoes (both organic – packed together, but eaten separately) + monterey jack cheese & Back to Nature Classic Round Crackers (think all-natural Ritz crackers… not the healthiest choice perhaps, but they taste so good with cheese and grapes), and Stonyfield Organic Lemon 0% Yogurt + organic strawberries. My go-to yogurt is plain Greek yogurt, but I had a few coupons for free Stonyfield yogurt cups, and lemon just sounded so light and refreshing… and it tasted fabulous with the sweet chopped strawberries.

I also refilled this guy a bunch of times while I was out and about:

In any given week, John and I only go out for dinner once; but because all of our pots, pans, and cooking utensils are packed, we have been grabbing takeout throughout this week.

Yesterday afternoon I stopped by Whole Foods on my way home, fully intending to get a to-go container of my favorite Corn & Poblano Chowder, but only the dregs of the soup were left in the pot (I’m assuming this is because I went smack in between lunch & dinner time). I settled for the Indian food hot bar, which I’ve had from Whole Foods before and liked.

Clockwise, from top left: Saag Paneer, Vegetable Biryani, Chana Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Lemon Rice.

A few notes.

  1. The cubes in the saag ended up being tofu, not cheese – major disappointment! I do not dislike tofu, but when you’re expecting paneer, it’s a big letdown.
  2. My high hopes for the vegetable biryani were, unfortunately, dashed. There was an unfamiliar spice in there that I just did not like.
  3. It’s not all bad news. The chana masala was excellent! Better than I’ve had in Indian restaurants. The chickpeas were the perfect texture of doneness, and the spice level was spot-on.
  4. Both the chicken tikka masala and the lemon rice were pretty good… but nothing to write home about.
  5. The only thing missing from this meal – well, besides the paneer cheese – was a warm piece of fluffy of naan bread. C’mon Whole Foods, a girl’s gotta have her carbs!

Moral of the story? The chana masala at Whole Foods is delicious… the other Indian dishes may not be worth it.

A couple of hours after dinner, I polished off the last few spoonfuls left in a container of Haagen-Dazs Strawberry Ice Cream (no, I did NOT eat the entire pint!).

So there ya have it… a day of eats in the life of me. I’d love to do another post of WIAW on a more typical day – when we have a fully stocked kitchen so I can eat more veggies and a home-cooked dinner =).

*The next time I post, we’ll be in our new house! Yaaaay!!*

Are Crackers Healthy?

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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Are Crackers Healthy?

People always want to eat tasty food. There’s nothing wrong with looking
for healthy options in delicious foods. We know that you are looking for
more nutritious crackers too. That’s why you must be here.
Crackers with salt are not as healthy as you think. They have a high-
calorie content and do not provide all the essential nutrients. You can
get some good alternatives if you are looking for healthy crackers.
Some whole-grain crackers provide lower calories and are suitable for
your hunger pangs.
Here, we will make you explore everything you need to know about healthy
crackers. Are crackers healthy? Well, you will know soon.

What Are Crackers?


Crackers are mainly wheat flour-based, dry, and flat-baked snacks. Spices
like salt, sesame seeds, herbs, pumpkin seeds, or cheese are added while
making the dough.
The snack is frequently marketed as a healthy and simple way to eat cereal
grain or staple food. But it’s not necessarily true.
Whole grain crispbread is marketed as crackers too. There are also
numerous other types of crackers.

Crackers Types

You can consume the saltine crackers alone. But they go well with cheddar
cheese, fresh fruit, meat slices, and dips. Again soft spreads like butter,
jam, peanut butter, mousse, or pâté are added to make it more delicious.
Some people prefer to eat cracked pepper with soup too. Senbei and
papadum are Asian equivalents of crackers. Roam in the market, and you
will find cracker varieties with sunflower seeds, canola oil, sunflower oil,
whole grain brown rice, etc.
Cracker with sunflower seeds is a healthy cracker. Keebler Club Crackers,
Mary’s gone crackers, and table water crackers are great examples of
healthy crackers. Crackers with whole-grain flours are healthy as whole
grains are good for health.

Nutrition Facts of Crackers

USDA says the five saltine crackers (roughly 14.9 g) should contain
nutrients of –
● Calories: 62.3
● Fat: 1.3g
● Carbohydrates: 11g
● Fiber: 0.4g
● Sodium: 150mg
● Sugars: 0.2g
● Protein: 1.4g

Are Crackers Carbs or Protein?

Traditionally, all crackers are carbohydrates. They have low protein and fat
content. The biscuits contain a minuscule amount of essential minerals and
nutrients. Though, cheesy crackers are a little high in fat.

Are you willing to consume crackers while being on a diet? Crackers are
not a good choice if you are on a keto diet because they are carbohydrates.

What Makes Your Crackers Healthy?


Simple food with great taste – that is what a cracker is. There’s no need to
add artificial ingredients to them. Artificial ingredients make crackers
unhealthy. Having a simple cracker is healthy and excellent for fighting your
hunger pangs.
You can call a cracker healthy by observing the following things:

Whole grains as the primary ingredient

For ingredients, look for nutritious options. They will have whole grains as
the main ingredient. This includes organic whole wheat flour and brown rice
flour.
Whole grain oat flour, lentil flour, whole grain quinoa, etc., are also
included. Fruits, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds
might be used too. However, crackers with whole-grain wheat are standard.

Avoid added starch

During digestion, starch is converted to sugar in our bodies. Crackers with
high fructose corn syrup are bad for health too.
Crackers should be malt syrup and gluten-free. The Glycemic Index sets
the standard for us regarding starch consumption. Foods that score high on
the GI index cause heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Modified starch, tapioca, potato starch, etc., are found in the crackers.
These are rapidly digestible. It’s for the best to avoid these added starches.

No added sugar

Just stay away from cookies or crackers with excessive added sugar.

Added sugar is terrible for your health. They add extra calories per serving,
which will make you gain weight. Don’t go for high fructose corn syrup-
containing crackers.
Don’t mix up added sugar with whole wheat. Whole wheat is better for a
healthy diet.

Minimally refined grains

Overly processed grains do not have fibers. Phenolic lipids are healthy fats.
Phenolic acids are beneficial for health but are ripped off from refined
grains. This makes them less nutritious per serving. Again, crackers should
be gluten-free.

Vegetable oils

Unhealthy vegetable oils should be avoided whenever you will get a
chance.
Vegetable oils, like sunflower oil and soybean oil, are not healthy fat.
Calories go high and work as an ingredient to make you gain weight. Again,
you should avoid partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil too.

Artificial color and preservatives

Preservatives and artificial colors are always bad for health. Excessive use
of them is hazardous to public health. Healthy crackers do not need a lot of
artificial color and preservatives.

Avoid too much sodium

Snacks with high sodium increase your risk of developing high blood
pressure. High sodium content also encourages heart disease. Again, they
are associated with strokes too.
Make sure to check out how much mg of sodium your cracker contains.

Are Graham Crackers Healthy?

Graham crackers are popular. They have created hype in the market. A
single serving (28g) of Graham Crackers should contain –
● Calories: 119
● Fat: 2.8 grams
● Carbohydrate: 21 grams
● Sugar: 6 g
● Protein: 2 grams
What do you think about looking at the nutrients? Yes, you are right!
Graham crackers are not healthy. They might not contain high calories but
have high carbs and sugar content.
100 mg of Graham crackers contain 477 mg of sodium. This makes them
unhealthy too. Also, the protein and dietary fiber levels are deficient.
Thus, Graham Crackers are not an option for health enthusiasts like you.

Are Jacobs Crackers Healthy?

Typically, you will find 37 crackers in a packet. Below you will find nutrient
contents for a single serving (8g) of Jacobs Crackers:
● Calories: 35 kcal
● Fat: 1.1 g
● Saturated Fat: 0.5 g (included in fat)
● Carbohydrates: 5.4 g
● Sugars: 0.1 g (included in carbohydrates)
● Protein: 0.8 g
● Salt: 0.1 g

● Fiber: 0.3 g
Jacobs crackers advertise their food as Kosher. They are suitable for
vegetarians and made from wheat flour. There are no added colors or
flavors in the Jacobs crackers.
They might not be the healthiest crackers. But Jacob cracker varieties are
healthy options. You can be guilt-free and have some more nutritious
crackers instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What crackers are the healthiest?

Store-bought crackers can be healthy too. Here is a list of healthy crackers
you can easily find around you:

  1. Simple Mills Original Organic Seed Flour Crackers
  2. Mary’s Gone Crackers
  3. Hippie Snacks Almond Crisps
  4. Orga Foods Super Crisps
  5. Hu Kitchen Grain-Free Crackers
  6. Bob’s Red Mill Oat Crackers
  7. Original Ritz crackers
  8. Multi-grain crackers
  9. Keebler Club crackers
  10. Carr’s table water crackers
    These crackers fill up all the credentials of a healthy cracker. If you want to
    consume healthy ones, you can go for them.

Are crackers good for weight loss?

ealthy crackers containing whole grains may be helpful for weight loss.
But it would be best if you tried to avoid them because they do not have
much nutrition.
Most crackers are suitable for your hunger pangs but bad for your diet
chart. Multi-grain crackers are a healthy snack too.
Are crackers healthier than bread?
Crackers are a good option if you’re attempting to lose weight because two
crackers have roughly 64 calories, compared to about 250 calories in
bread. You might save 186 calories by making one easy switch.

Are crackers junk food?

Some people only count fast foods as junk foods. But this is not valid.
Packaged or pre-prepared foods which have little nutritional value are
called junk foods. Crackers fill up both of the criteria to become junk food.

Final Words

Are crackers healthy? You know it now! Crackers are a great option if you
are looking for a filling snack. You can see the best healthy crackers list
above. They have a better nutritional value per serving.
Always look for the whole grain option and avoid other fancy crackers.
Whole grain wheat crackers can be found in the market quickly. Stay fit and
choose your snacks wisely!

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Despite it being the second day of Spring, New England is on the brink of yet another snowstorm. I’m savoring a slice of this cake/bread hybrid as I go between typing and glaring out at the menacing gray sky. Yep, I am 100% done with winter, but at least I have a delicious snack to help me bear an additional foot of snow on the ground.

This dessert-worthy, (but breakfast-appropriate), loaf is the perfect marriage of banana bread and carrot cake. It’s just sweet enough, warmly spiced with cinnamon, flecked with carrots, and crowned with a creamy maple syrup-sweetened frosting. I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again: I prefer my carrot cake simple and unadulterated; but if you like walnuts, coconut flakes, and/or pineapple in yours, feel free to toss whatever you want into the batter.

This bread would be perfect as part of an Easter breakfast spread, as an afternoon snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea, as a healthy dessert… or enjoyed throughout the day as I’ve been doing!

NameCarrot Cake Banana Bread
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time60-70 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings10-12
Yield1

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium-sized carrots)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Add Carrots and Nuts (Optional)

Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using). This will add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to your banana bread.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If you like, sprinkle raisins on top for extra sweetness and texture.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the Carrot Cake Banana Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra treat.

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a wonderful twist on traditional banana bread, adding the flavors and nutrition of carrots to the mix. It’s moist, sweet, and perfect for any time of the day. So, the next time you have ripe bananas and some carrots on hand, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and your family will thank you!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories:250-300 calories per slice.
  • Fat:12-15 grams.
  • Carbohydrates:35-40 grams.
  • Protein:3-4 grams.
  • Fiber:1-2 grams.
  • Sugars:20-25 grams.

Are Dumplings Healthy?

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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Are Dumplings Healthy?

Health enthusiasts are always looking for tasty and healthy foods. But the combination is not so easy to find. But it’s not impossible as dumplings embody both.

Dumplings are typically quite nutritious because they contain a lot of whole foods that may provide a wide range of micronutrients. However, fats and oils account for the majority of calories. This indicates that while dumplings aren’t perfect for a healthy diet, you may always eat dumplings in a few numbers.

Are dumplings healthy? What can be healthier – to have boiled or steamed dumplings? But what are those anyway? Read the article thoroughly to learn about all the types of dumplings, the healthy dumplings you can buy or make at home, and much more!

What Are Dumplings? 

The name “dumpling” is deeply grounded in Asian cuisine. Traditional dumplings carry deep symbolism in these cultures. They constitute a genre of dishes made up of thin wrappers of dough pieces with filling inside.

One can use different starch sources like flour, bread, potatoes, or buckwheat to make the dough. You can stuff it with tofu, meat, cheese, fish, vegetables, desserts, or fruits.

Dumplings have a reputation in many international cuisines as well. You can cook it in various ways, like boiling, steaming, baking, frying, or simmering. People serve stew, fruit, or soup with dumplings.

Types Of Dumplings

Methods for cooking dumplings can vary. Depending on the cooking method, you can have

  • Steam Dumplings: a reasonably healthy option
  • Boiled Dumplings: healthy carbohydrates but not like a steamed dumpling
  • Keto Dumplings: taste virtually like the usual one
  • Pan-fried Dumplings: deep-fried or pan-fried versions aren’t healthy carbohydrates

Types Of Dumpling Fillings

There are mainly four types of fillings for dumplings you can choose from, according to the traditional recipe. But fusion chefs often go overboard and make up their variants. 

The different types of fillings for dumplings are

  • Soup dumplings: it has a dry broth that becomes liquid once steamed.
  • Meat dumplings: contain mincemeat, and vegetables may be included.
  • Sweet fillings: nuts, fruits, and even sweetened cheese are examples.
  • Solid dumplings: have no fillings inside, such as knödel or gnocchi.

Different Dumpling Doughs

You can produce the dough using water and wheat flour. Yet, there are many different ways to make the dough:

  • Flour variety
  • Vegetable-based
  • Bread-based
  • Dairy and fat content

Are Dumplings High in Carbs Or Protein? 

Are dumplings high in carbs and fats? How many carbs do they contain? 

Dumplings contain about 68% carbohydrates. Again, the protein and fat contents are around 11% and 21%. The percentage can vary depending on the dumpling type. You can easily distinguish it now. 

Are dumplings carbs or proteins? Well, they are a combination of carbs and fats. They contain a lot of calories too. You may want to know about the other nutrients as well before putting dumplings as a staple in your regular diet.

Health Benefits Of Dumplings

Dumplings have rich nutrients, though they lack micronutrients. But overall, they are a good energy source. To get more benefits from dumplings, you need to have steamed dumplings. 

Steamed dumplings are more nutrient-rich than the other types. On the plus side, it has a low-calorie count. On the other hand, deep-fried dumplings contain from 2 to 3 grams more fat for one dumpling. And this fat makes them have more calories. If you want a slimmer figure, eat less to maintain a healthy weight.

It’s already bad enough that dumplings are low in protein. You don’t want to add more fat to make the dish worse.

Steamed Is the Way to Go

Surely, deep-fried potstickers and gyoza can be tempting at times. But while dieting, boiled or steamed dumplings are fantastic. 

Compared to their less healthy counterparts, you don’t have to get a headache with calories. And their tastes are nothing to scoff at.

Seven Healthiest Dumplings On Market

Here, you will find the list of the healthiest frozen dumplings you can buy in the market.

1. Whole Foods Market Vegetable Potstickers

It’s one of the best frozen dumplings. They can be steamed or boiled too. One serving contains four pieces or 113 g

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories200
Fat3 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Sodium330 mg
Carbs38 g
Fiber3 g
Sugar4 g
Protein6 g

2. Nasoya Organic Vegan Tofu Vegetable Dumplings

These Dumplings represent another great frozen dumpling. One serving contains five pieces or 85 g.

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories170
Fat3 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Sodium660 mg
Carbs29 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar1 g
Protein7 g

3. PF Chang’s Pork Dumplings

One serving has three pieces or 88 g. It also contains two teaspoons of soy sauce.

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories170
Fat7 g
Saturated Fat2 g
Sodium590 mg
Carbs20 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar3 g
Protein7 g

4. Kasia’s Sauerkraut Pierogi

One serving contains three pieces or 99 g.

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories180
Fat2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Sodium600 mg
Carbs34 g
Fiber2 g
Sugar1 g
Protein5 g

5. Feel Good Foods Pork Potstickers

One serving contains six pieces or 138 g (also includes soy sauce)

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories259
Fat10 g
Saturated Fat2 g
Sodium800 mg
Carbs38 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar7 g
Protein7 g

6. Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

One serving consists of seven pieces or 140 g

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories200
Fat4 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Sodium550 mg
Carbs30 g
Fiber4 g
Sugar0 g
Protein10 g

7. Ling Ling Asian Kitchen Potstickers, Chicken and Vegetable

One serving consists of five pieces or 145 g

NutrientsQuantity 
Calories260
Fat7 g
Saturated Fat1.5 g
Sodium600 mg
Carbs39 g
Fiber2 g
Sugar4 g
Protein12 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Are steamed dumplings healthy?

Dumplings are pretty nutritious since they contain plenty of nutrients. It also may provide a wide range of micronutrients. 

However, it is not an ideal food because of the poor balance of macronutrients. So, steamed dumplings are a reasonably healthy option.

Are dumplings bad for weight loss?

Boiled or steamed dumplings are a relatively healthy option. You should consider the filling, servings, and sauces you’re using. Less energy is found in veggie and seafood ones.

How many dumplings should you eat?

With guests coming, you may make up to 30 dumplings. Though, 15 – 20 dumplings should do the work. Falling short in a dumpling party is not an option.

A man needs around 2500 calories per day. In contrast, the number is 2000 calories per day for a woman. A dumpling contains 80 calories approx. A person may have 500 – 800 calories per meal.

So, how many dumplings should you eat for a meal? Doing the math, we know that one should not eat more than ten dumplings in one sitting. These numbers are a rough estimate and can vary for different individuals.

Final Words

Dumplings are not unhealthy. This answers your question – are dumplings healthy? They have good nutritional properties. However, it has a poor balance of macronutrients. 

Not all foods need to be all-rounders. So, regularly having dumplings is not bad for your health. But it would be best if you did not eat dumplings a lot when you want a balanced portion. If you are on a diet, consider eating steamed dumplings. You can try veggie and seafood ones too. 

Avoid the pan-fried version in this case. Don’t be tempted while ordering dumplings and get yourself on track!

Are CLIF Bars Healthy?

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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0
Are CLIF Bars Healthy?

CLIF bars stand out among other nutrition bars. The CLIF BAR and Company produces these oat-based bars with lots of flavors. They claim their bars to be nutritious and high-energy bars. 

The nutrition bars from CLIF are healthy when you need a lot of energy. If you are doing heavy workouts for more than an hour or cycling more than 150 miles, CLIF Bars are a healthy option to keep your body going. You can consider CLIF Bars unhealthy without heavy exercise because you take more carbs than you need. 

Before the 1990s, CLIF bars did not have much taste. But Gary Erickson soon solved the problem and made his company gain a considerable market percentage. We will know more about the bars, their types, nutrition facts, and flavors. Join us in the journey to learn are CLIF bars healthy?

Typical Ingredients In CLIF Bar

CLIF bars are marketed for hiking, sports, and other outdoor activities. They promote having plant-based ingredients and 70 % organic components. The manufacturers also claim that their bars do not contain high fructose corn syrup.

A substantial majority of CLIF bars are vegan, while some include honey or whey protein. The ingredients in a CLIF bar vary depending on the flavor, but they typically have:

  • Brown rice syrup
  • Rolled oats
  • Cane sugar
  • Soy protein isolate
  • Rice flour
  • Soy flour
  • Sea salt
  • Oat fiber
  • Sunflower oil

Vitamins and minerals contents are:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B complex
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D2
  • Vitamin E
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorous

CLIF Bar Flavors

The CLIF bar and company claim that CLIF bars are best for all physical activities. As mentioned earlier, flavors are the main attraction for CLIF bars. 

Flavors may include –

  • Chocolate chip
  • Crunchy peanut butter
  • White chocolate macadamia nut
  • Chocolate brownie
  • Chocolate almond fudge
  • Peanut butter banana/ dark chocolate
  • Coconut chocolate chip and cool mint
  • Blueberry crisp
  • Cool mint chocolate
  • Caramel macchiato
  • Spiced pumpkin pie

CLIF Bars are finest when they’re fresh. They’re now available in 20 different flavors, including three seasonal flavors.  

The company says the fan favorite is White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. You may find other flavors tasty too. Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cool Mint Chocolate, Coconut Chocolate, and Chip Carrot Cake are some of the tempting flavors.

Benefits Of CLIF Bars

Are CLIF bars good? They can be convenient in many situations. Here are some benefits you can have from CLIF bars.

Fast Source of Energy

CLIF bars are convenient and easy to carry. You can have one or two while exercising. They give you an energy boost.

Many Ingredients Are Organic

Wherever possible, CLIF utilizes organic ingredients. They even have USDA-certified organic bars. Organic ingredients are great for the environment too.

You’re Getting Benefits From The Oats

A key component in the bars is rolled oats. Oats have several health advantages. They help decrease cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and even deliver antioxidants.

They Contain Nutrients

A CLIF bar cannot replace a meal. But it does offer a good number of vitamins and minerals.

They Taste Good

Are CLIF bars good in taste? CLIF bars’ appeal stems in part from their delectable flavor. It seems there are a lot of flavors to pick from, but they all appear to go really well together.

They Offer Some Protein

CLIF bars include some protein, with standard bars containing roughly 9 to 10 grams. Protein serves a variety of functions in the body, including muscle building.

What Ingredients Do You Need To Watch For In CLIF Bars?

Are you a CLIF fan? Although the bars aren’t the healthiest snack, they are better than a piece of cake. 

Particular CLIF bar tastes are much healthier for you, and some are not. But how will you know? Well, here’s how.

Check Sugar Content

Check the amount of added sugar. CLIF bars have around 20 grams of added sugar per bar, which is top of the ingredient list. Choose bars that have less than 4 grams of added sugar.   

The problem is you can’t find many bars with low sugar content. Be careful as the added sugar amount is close to the daily limit for women and children. 

As per the American Heart Association, the daily maximum added sugar for women and children is 24 grams/6 percent of the daily diet.

Avoid Soy-based Bars

Avoid soy flour, roasted soybeans, seed oils, or soy lecithin. Also, avoid soy protein isolate. 

Soy’s health risks are continually being researched and debated. Soy products such as lecithin and protein isolates are often low-cost ingredients.

5 Best Healthy CLIF Bars

  1. CLIF Bar Whole Lotta Roasted Peanut Chocolate
  2. CLIF Bar Fruit Smoothie Filled Tart Cherry Berry
  3. CLIF Bar Whey Protein Coconut Almond Chocolate
  4. CLIF Bar Whole Lotta Spiced Almond Ginger
  5. CLIF Bar Nut Butter Filled Peanut Butter

3 Least Healthy CLIF Bars

  1. Caramel Toffee with Sea Salt
  2. Carrot Cake
  3. Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Serving Suggestions

CLIF bars are ideal for anyone who needs a concentrated supply of carbs for high energy levels, such as athletes or very active people. Here are some nifty serving suggestions for CLIF bars.

Pre-Workout Snack

CLIF bars are great for pre-workout snacks because they are healthier than other desserts. 

The exact time is dependent on an individual’s metabolism. Most individuals can stomach a CLIF bar 2 hours before activity.

Mid-Workout Snack

One can eat CLIF bars for low-level endurance exercises like a long trek because they are convenient in these situations.

Post-Workout Snack

These might be suitable as a post-workout snack for athletes or highly active persons looking for a pre-packaged option. 

However, an adult athlete needs more protein than he gets from the bars. But eating these as snacks will not be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are CLIF bars as good as their marketing claims?

CLIF Bars are an excellent choice for energy bars. The bars complete the suitable nutrition profile. On the plus side, the components appear to be less processed, making them healthier than other bars.

CLIF bars have a nutritional composition ideal for endurance sports like a long trek.

Does CLIF bar cause weight gain?

There is no specific food that will lead you to gain weight. Higher overall calorie consumption than one’s need is the key here. If you eat more than you need, CLIF bars might contribute to weight gain.

Energy-dense meals have less filling and are denser than whole foods, making it simpler to ingest extra calories.

As a result, CLIF bars might benefit people who want to gain weight. Eat your whole food snack if you do want to lose weight. 

Is there added sugar in the CLIF bar?

CLIF bars contain from 19 to 21 grams of sugar. Cane sugar and Brown rice syrup are the sugar sources. This is higher than regular snack bars but similar to the energy bars.

Is it good taking a CLIF bar every day?

CLIF bars contain high sugar content. So, you might eat CLIF bars in a low number. But eating a lot every day will make you gain weight.

What are Mini CLIF Bars?

They are little CLIF bars. The ingredients are similar to the original CLIF bars per serving. They include about 100-110 calories and offer you a short burst of energy.

You will have 2 g fat, 2 g fiber, 9 g sugar, and 4 g protein in the chocolate chip bar version per bar.

Conclusion

CLIF bars are one of the great food sources of energy. But are CLIF bars healthy? They are a healthy choice in the context that you can curb your craving for cake or other snacks by eating CLIF bars. 

But it would be best if you were careful. Daily consumption of CLIF bars will disrupt your dieting routine and make you fat. 

While having CLIF bars, do not forget your daily need for calories. Remember that they are just another energy bar at the end of the day. Taking too many calories while dieting is never a good option!

Are Grilled Cheese Healthy?

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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0
Are Grilled Cheese Healthy?

Grilled cheese appears to be the ideal choice for a sandwich. The flavor and elegance of a grilled cheese sandwich are challenging to surpass. The calories and nutrition facts for grilled cheese sandwiches will differ based on the recipe used and how you make them. But are grilled cheese healthy?

Grilled cheese sandwiches contain protein, calcium, minerals, vitamins, and so on. But they are heavy in calories, saturated fat, and salt. So, they’re not very nutritious or healthy. 

You may improve your grilled cheese sandwich by following some healthy preparation techniques. Adding vegetables and spinach might assist in keeping nutritional values in check.

However, if you’re attempting to stick to a healthy diet, this delicious meal might not be the most excellent choice when you make it in the usual manner.

What Is Grilled Cheese?

Grilled cheese is a popular snack that includes a variety of flavors. The taste and nutritional value will differ based on the bread, ingredients, and quantity of cheese used.

You can make grilled cheese by melting cheese inside two slices of bread. The sandwich is fried in a skillet with butter until the bread turns crispy golden brown and the cheese melts. Two pieces of white bread and American cheese with one tablespoon of butter make up a standard grilled cheese sandwich.

Enhanced grilled cheese sandwiches can include a richer slice of bread and unusual cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar. The healthiness and taste of your grilled cheese sandwich are determined by the choice of bread and cheese you pick, the quantity of ketchup or butter you use, and any extra ingredients you add.

Food Value Of Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwich calories are a little around 400. With very few possible ingredient substitutions, reducing the calories in a grilled cheese is difficult.

A grilled cheese sandwich will provide you with a significant number of essential nutrients. According to the USDA, one sandwich provides:

  • Calories​:​ 378
  • Total fat​:​ 21.8 g
  • Saturated fat​:​ 10.8 g
  • Trans fat​:​ 0 g
  • Cholesterol​:​ 51 mg
  • ​​Sodium​:​ 923.4 mg
  • Total carbs​:​ 33.4 g
  • Dietary fiber​:​ 1.6 g
  • Sugar​:​ 6 g
  • Protein​:​ 12.1 g
  • Calcium:​ 51% DV
  • ​Phosphorus:​ 31% DV
  • Vitamin B12:​ 26% DV
  • Vitamin A:​ 24% DV
  • Vitamin D:​ 14% DV
  • ​Iron:​ 14% DV
  • Zinc:​ 13% DV

Pros and Cons Of Grilled Cheese

Cheese, which is the main component in a grilled cheese sandwich, could offer certain health benefits along with some disadvantages.

Prevent Muscle Loss

Protein is necessary for muscular development. Obtaining adequate protein could be highly vital for elders. Grilled cheese protein will help to improve muscle mass.

Minimize Vitamin B12 Insufficiency

Cheese contains a lot of vitamins B12 along with vitamin minerals. It is crucial for brain function and preventing pernicious anemia. Cheese can be a valuable source of vitamin B12 for vegans.

Lactose Tolerance

Grilled cheese sandwiches could be a decent dairy choice for someone who is lactose intolerant but still wishes to eat cheese. Many harder kinds of cheese are inherently less in lactose. People can consume them easily.

Reduce Capacity To Lose Weight

Although grilled cheese was not the cause of weight gain, it might sabotage your attempts to lose weight. 

A grilled cheese sandwich can contain 400 calories or more based on how it’s prepared and grilled. Ignoring the fact that grilled cheese is a calorie-dense dish, there are methods to prepare it healthier.

Contains Saturated Fat

Grilled cheese sandwiches contain saturated fat because of the cheddar cheese, butter, and possible additional toppings. 

The consumption of saturated fats has been associated with a rise in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In the United States, nutritional standards still advocate reducing saturated calories from fat to fewer than 10% of daily calories.

Contains High Sodium Content

Salt consumption is connected to high blood pressure. But it may not cause cardiovascular disease. 

It has detrimental consequences for the brain, bones, and kidneys. Reading the labeling on bread and reduced-sodium cheeses might help you choose a reduced salt choice.

Contains Low Fiber Content

The standard grilled cheese sandwich components are poor in nutritional fiber. Fiber is essential in your nutrition as it can save you from cancer, decrease cholesterol, and lose weight.

Tips To Make Healthier Grilled Cheese

The classic grilled cheese sandwich is poor in nutrients and heavy in calories. It’s recommended to eat it in limits or cook it healthily. 

Here are a few ideas for improving the nutritional benefits and making grilled cheese healthier.

Choose A Healthy Loaf Of Bread

The traditional white bread used in grilled cheese sandwiches is poor in fiber and flavorless. As a healthy option, go for whole-grain loaves of bread.

Be Selective In Using Cheese

If you choose flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar cheese, part-skim mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and Gouda, your grilled cheese will give you cheesy goodness. They provide a richer taste than those of American cheese, and you could realize yourself requiring less cheese.

Use Plant-Based Ingredients

Add other ingredients like colorful fruits and vegetables to make your grilled cheese sandwich more attractive. Your sandwich’s color and nutritional content will be enhanced by including such plant items.

Zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, onions, and peppers are excellent choices. You can also add herbs like parsley, basil, and chives to make it more exciting.

Switch To More Healthful Fat

Smearing a lump of butter in your skillet or smearing mayonnaise on your toast is a classic way to make grilled cheese. But using a bunch of butter and mayo increases the amount of saturated fat. 

You can use low-fat oil like olive oil in your skillet to decrease saturated fat consumption.

Healthy Grilled Cheese Without Bread

Instead of bread, you can make healthy grilled cheese using sweet potatoes, vegetables, and butternut squash. It will provide low calories and more nutrition. You can also use rice cauliflower to make bread slices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a grilled cheese sandwich on wheat bread?

The grilled cheese sandwich contains 440 calories if you make it with two slices of cheese, two pieces of white bread, and one spoonful of butter. As opposed to regular English bread, whole wheat bread adds 440 calories.

Is it bad to eat grilled cheese every day?

Cheese is heavy in fat and calories, even though it contains key elements like calcium and vitamin A. While these nutrients may not be the healthiest, eating grilled cheese sandwiches is OK when consumed in moderation (not every day).

Is homemade grilled cheese healthy?

Homemade grilled cheese provides benefits the same as others. But it seems to be healthier as you can make it with proper hygiene. So, you can consider it as your healthy lunch.

Is grilled cheese on wheat bread healthy?

Wheat bread grilled cheese is healthier than the usual one. To prepare your grilled cheese, use whole-grain bread, such as sprouted grain bread. It will offer more nutrition than the food you would get from processed white bread.

Conclusion

Grilled cheese is high in many elements connected to promoting health benefits. The negatives originate from the fact that it has a high calorie and salt content with poor fiber content. Use soft cheeses, nutrient-dense bread, veggies, and a healthier form of fat to make grilled cheese sandwiches healthy.

Hopefully, this passage contains all the information you need about are grilled cheese healthy. Use mentioned tips to make a more nutritious grilled cheese sandwich and have a balanced meal!

Are Dried Fish Healthy?

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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0
Are Dried Fish Healthy?

Dried fish is an excellent source of essential vitamins that is lower in calories than other foods. Most people love this delicious form of fish. However, the critical question is – are dried fish healthy?

Dried fish helps the body’s ability to prevent a person from heart attacks while also helping the body’s circulation function properly. Eating dried fish will help to get a wealth of advantages. It’s an all-natural source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. That’s why it’s the healthiest sort of food.

Drying fish is a great way to store fresh fish if you want to eat it when it’s not on the market. Dry fish should be included in your diet if you’re attempting to eat healthy food. You just have to prepare the dish with a bit of salt to avoid harmfulness.

What Are Dried Fish?

Drying is a form of food preservation that removes water from the food, reducing germ development and maintaining quality. 

Sun and wind have been known to protect fish health since the old period. It was the original method of fish preservation.

Pure dried fish is an entirely natural product with all of the omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in fresh fish. It’s a key source of high-quality proteins, which are good for human health. Dry fish has an 80-85% protein content with 300 calories per 100 grams.

Despite dry fish being a popular delicacy, it poses a health risk due to the very preservatives used to make the fish dry. It is poisonous if consumed raw. You should use preservatives in diluted form while preparing dried fish.

Food Value Of Dried Fish

Dried fish is a natural product that makes up bodily components like hair and muscle. It is the most nutritious type of food. 

Here are the dried fish nutrition facts for 100g.

  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 2.37g; 3% of DV
  • Saturated Fat: 0.462g; 2% of DV
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.804g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.342g
  • Cholesterol: 152mg; 51% of DV
  • Sodium: 7027mg; 306% of DV
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0g; 0% of DV
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g; 0% of DV
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 62.82g
  • Vitamin D: 9% of DV
  • Calcium: 160mg; 12% of DV
  • Iron: 2.5mg; 14% of DV
  • Potassium: 1458mg; 31% of DV
  • Vitamin A: 42mcg; 5% of DV
  • Vitamin C: 3.5mg; 4% of DV

Dried Fish For Weight Loss

People often wonder if dried fish is good for weight loss. Here are some facts which tell you why dry fish can help you with weight loss:

Protein

Fish is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food. The quantity of protein in a piece varies depending on the type of dry fish you eat. 

Ultimately, small dry fish is a terrific method to get a lot of high-quality protein while also helping you lose weight. 

Healthy Fats

Fats can aid weight loss if you know which fats to use in your meal. Omega-3 fatty acids present in dry fish have been linked to healthier weight maintenance.

Calorie Count

Healthy dry fish is low in calories and satisfying since they are rich in fatty acids. It can allow you to keep in shape since it is a low-calorie, nutritious dish.

Health Benefits Of Dried Fish

Fish can prevent a person from heart attacks. Dried fish provides a lot of health benefits. But consuming it excessively is harmful to the human body. It is the principal disadvantage of dried fish.

Gives Healthy Fats

The body needs healthy fat since it works as a physical shield. Dried fish is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Omega-3 aids in the correct functioning of the brain and eyesight. This nutritious fat will be especially beneficial to expecting mothers.

Maintains The Health Of The Heart

Dry fish seems to have a low saturated fat content, which can assist reduce the risk of heart disease. It has a significant impact on one’s cardiovascular health. 

Dried fish has even been demonstrated to lower the risk of heart attacks.

Source Of Vitamin D

Due to the shifting office culture, many people are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency nowadays. 

Fish generally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with nutrient intake and overall health.

Contains Lower Calories And Higher Protein

Proteins are essential for all living beings. It helps grow hair, muscles, and other bodily parts. 

Dried fish could be regarded as a significant source of high-quality protein. It supplies high protein for fewer calories. 

This characteristic indicates that eating dry fish will not cause weight gain. One hundred grams of dried fish has roughly 80% protein with 300 calories.

Beef is a rich source of protein, although it does not provide as much as dried fish. In comparison to fish, it has a substantially higher calorie content. 

If you’re attempting to incorporate more nutritious foods into your delicious diet, pure dried fish is the most acceptable option.

Alleviates Depression

Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA are abundant in dry fish. Such nutrients can help avoid psychiatric disorders. 

Fish also works as a relaxant and stimulant that prevents mood swings.

Contains Positive Nutrition

Most dried fish include relatively little fats or salt. But they do contain other nutrients like minerals and vitamins. 

Dried fish contains relatively little saturated fat, which prevents complications associated with high blood pressure. 

Many people may find it an excellent dish to incorporate into their diet to combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Minimize The Risk Of Chronic Diseases

A very sound diet that includes dried fish can decrease the chance of rheumatic illnesses. Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can be prevented using it.

Increase Blood Pressure Level

Drying the fish is a traditional preservation process to eliminate the water and increase the shelf life of the fish. Dried fish has a constituent that makes it particularly dangerous for anyone at risk of having hypertension. 

People fighting the condition may be harmed by dried fish. The salt content of dried fish is one of the reasons why it might raise your blood pressure problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is dried salted fish healthy?

Compulsive overeating of salted fish may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. As a result, the quantity and proportion of salted fish we consume should be customized to our health. You can serve it with fruit and vegetables.

Is dry fish good for high blood pressure?

Regardless of the various health advantages of eating fish, the dried version’s high salt content might paradoxically elevate blood pressure. Fish is dried as a food storage process that removes the moisture from the fish and extends its storage life.

Is it safe to eat dried fish?

Although dry fish is a famous food throughout the country, it is dangerous to human health since the preservative used in dry fish is excessively poisonous. Sometimes dry fish causes cancer in some people.

Conclusion

People are apprehensive about health and nutrition. The intake of dried fish provides health benefits to us. It aids in the formation of bodily antibodies, tissues, and enzymes. But excessive consumption can be detrimental as it contains highly toxic substances.

Hopefully, we’ve examined the topic of “are dried fish healthy” in every manner conceivable. You can keep it on your diet if you’re trying to lose weight. However, you may also serve it as a standard side dish. So, try different recipes!

Monday Musings + Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, & Black Bean Chili (revisited)

Christina Ross, PhD, BCPP
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0
Monday Musings + Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, & Black Bean Chili (revisited)

Chili is a beloved comfort food that warms both the body and the soul. But what if we told you that you can make a chili that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients? Enter the Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili—a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening at home or for impressing guests at your next gathering.

This chili is a fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s as good for you as it is delicious.

Name:Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
Cuisine:American
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Servings:6 servings
Yield:6 bowls

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.

Add the Sweet Potatoes

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir them in with the onions and garlic, and let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the edges to slightly caramelize.

Seasoning Time

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes with the spices. This step infuses the sweet potatoes with a rich, smoky flavor.

Vegetables and Tomatoes

Toss in the red and green bell peppers, followed by the corn kernels. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and black beans to the pot.

Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili into bowls, and garnish with your choice of toppings. Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice all make fantastic additions.

Enjoy

Serve your chili with a side of warm crusty bread, tortilla chips, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the hearty, nutritious, and flavorful goodness of this Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili!

1. This is awesome.

2. And because there is a special place in my heart for Pachelbel’s Canon in D (I walked down the aisle at our wedding to a live guitar version), there’s this.

3. My parents visited this weekend, and included in our New England fall activities was – of course – searching for fresh local apples…

… and eating cider doughnuts!

Except we actually didn’t go to any of the numerous orchards in Massachusetts.

Nope.

Instead, I took my parents to Volante Farms, (in Needham, for locals!), a farm stand-inspired  store chock full of local produce, baked goods, and other food items.

They currently have 20 varieties of local apples, (each with a listing of precisely how far away they grew + a description of their flavor), and though they aren’t labeled as certified organic, many local orchards do in fact use organic growing methods.

Then there’s the freshly baked cider doughnuts, the intoxicating aroma of which wafts into the parking lot to greet you as you pull in.

A freshly baked, warm cider doughnut puts all other doughnuts to shame!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Dietary Fiber: 11g
  • Total Sugars: 12g
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Potassium: 742mg
  • Vitamin A: 384%
  • Vitamin C: 76%
  • Calcium: 7%
  • Iron: 18%

4. 5 Reasons to love Boston.

5. I haven’t loved a movie starring Daniel Day Lewis since The Last of the Mohicans (fabulous film!), but Lincoln looks promising.

6. Beer is all the rage over on The Back Burner this week, and given the cool fall weather that has descended upon New England (yay!) it was a given that I chose to share my Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, & Black Bean Chili.

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I found myself drawn to the eating habits instilled in me by my health-conscious parents; gravitating towards unprocessed foods and cooking with fresh ingredients. I became enthralled with The Food Network, subscribed to a handful of recipe catalogues, and scooped up a wide variety of cookbooks. My goal was to make food that was simultaneously wholesome and delicious.

Mitolyn

ProDentim Primebiome and Prime Biome

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