Choosing the right foods can be difficult with all the competing marketing claims. Ali Miller, registered dietitian and natural foods chef with The Life Long Weigh, explains on “FOX 26 Morning News Extra” what three health claims that may not always be the best product!
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! The healthiest foods can speak for themselves. Use the ingredients panel as a guide: if you can’t imagine two or more ingredients don’t purchase.
Artificially-sweetened fat-free yogurt can cause additional cravings, missing the conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) in dairy which boost metabolism, aid in balancing blood sugars and gaining lean body mass.
Fiber One Bar contains chicory root/inulin, which is not same as whole grain fiber.
Multi-grain breads may not be 100 percent whole grain; seek sprouted whole grain for optimal nutrition. Since multi-grain breads are not balanced for optimal blood sugar or body composition.
Energy bars are high in carbs and calories while not practical in calories unless undergoing significant exercise.
Reduced fat salad dressing will have low-quality fat and refined sugars, binders, fillers, artificial colors, and may not satisfy our brain, which is 80 percent fat and needs fat for satiety.
Ali’s Rustic Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette (Makes eight two-tablespoon servings or 1 cup)
Source: Ali Miller, RD, LD
Ingredients
- ½ cup Fig Balsamic
- ½ cup Cold Pressed Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard
- 1 Tbsp Maple syrup
- 4 Tbsp chopped rosemary
- 2 Tbsp chopped basil
- Pinch of salt, pepper
Directions
- Mix vinaigrette ingredients in jar with lid and shake.
- Store at room temperature in cool dark area for 5-7 days.
Balsamic Goat Cheese and Berry Salad (makes 4 servings)
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup raspberries
- 6 oz goat cheese
- ½ cup pistachios
- ½ cup Ali’s Rustic Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
Directions
- Toss salad ingredients in a bowl until ingredients are mixed.
- Pour in salad dressing while tossing salad.
Optional: Marinade 1 pound chicken in ½ cup Ali’s Rustic Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette for 2 hours. Sautee chicken and cut into strips, toss on top of salad.
Visit The Life Long Weigh for details on weight loss, cooking classes, detox, and disease prevention programs.
