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Southern home cooking is delicious! But is it healthy for us?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage

In the south or at least here in Searcy Arkansas I have noticed that nutrition is not very important to most folks. Popular favorites here are deep fried cat fish, hush puppies, french fries, fried okra, fried squash, chicken fried steak, are you seeing a pattern??? fried fried fried! There is nutrition there but it's laden with artery clogging fat and excessive amounts of calories.

I came from the west coast and out there people put allot of emphasis on diet and exercise, in the grocery stores there its easy to find lots of healthy food choices and even low fat healthy fast food restaurants!

My favorite fast food there is El Pollo Loco they had the best charbroiled chicken, fresh salsa, and beans mmmmmm.

Anyway last night I was thinking I would sure like a slice of pizza! But I don't touch white bleached refined flour. So I made a home made crust out of 100% whole grain wheat flour, wheat bran and flax seeds. I topped it with pizza sauce from a jar and loads of fresh sliced mushrooms, red peppers, onion, jalapenos, and tomatoes a little mozzarella cheese and fresh Parmesan. Now thats a healthy and delicious pizza!

I need some more healthy recipes that are tasty too any ideas anyone?

Comments (7)

Rob Muller
ReMax Town & Country - Canton, GA
Cherokee County Real Estate
This is not my thing- my wife does all the cooking- but I know that she has found a great organic store in Georgia. I'm sure they have something by you. Plus, she cooks everything from scratch- that way you really know what you are eating!
Apr 18, 2008 12:27 PM
Jennifer Davis
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
Rob you have a smart wife, I like her already! thanks for the comment
Apr 18, 2008 12:37 PM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
Now we know the secret to your trim figure!  But do the kids and hubby like that too or did they turn out Southern?  LOL
Apr 18, 2008 01:15 PM
Jennifer Davis
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR

Funny you ask! My daughter eats just like me my son tries on occasion but my husband hates it!

But I think he's about to change his mind. He came home with a bacon cheeseburger and fries and set it on the table and said I can't eat this! I saw all of the greese and it made me sick!

His flooring subcontractor died of a heart attack last week totaly unexpected and he wasn't very old. That seems to have really effected the way he has been eating since that happened. He's taking it pretty serious now!

Apr 19, 2008 02:42 AM
Angela Spearman
Arkansas Staging Professionals - Searcy, AR

Jennifer,  maybe if your husband might try veggie pizza instead of meat lovers, or maybe opt for a bowl of fresh sliced strawberries topped with light cool whip instead of a bowl of ice cream. Even the smallest changes can make a really big difference in your health and how you feel. And as the small changes become habit, bigger changes are easier to make later.

Also, try hiding veggies in his meals. Make a skillet meal out of whole grain pasta and organic sauce (cheesy or tomato-based) and add some ground turkey or strips of grilled chicken breast and then throw in some stir fry vegetables. It's delicious and hearty and easy to make!

Yummy! All this talk is making me so hungry. Oh, and some one just told me yesterday about "Julie's" brand ice cream only available at our new Harps. It is completely natural and no refined sugar. They went on and on about it. They also recommended I browse the organic aisle close to the produce section. They have some delicious products available. I'll let you know if I find anything particularly fantastic! 

Apr 21, 2008 07:49 AM
Mary PAUL, ABR, CRS,GRI, e-PRO,
RE/MAX Advantage Realtors, Searcy, AR - Searcy, AR

Jennifer,

I am a true southerner, I like my fried fish, chicken, okra, squash, biscuits and gravy.  I like healthy food too!  Perrin's grandpa lived to be nearly 104 and he ate biscuits and gravy every day, all food was fried in lard, he did not smoke or drink.  I think smoking is worse that the food!  I try to eat healthy most of the time, but I like my fried foods.

Apr 21, 2008 08:02 AM
Jennifer Davis
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR

Angela, thanks for the tips I appreciate it! I think I will pay Harps a visit!

Mary,

I love those yummy foods too, but it seems like I crave them less then I used too. Hey, I'm glad to hear that about Perrins grandpa, 104 is amazing!

I think your right about smoking it is probably way worse for you then about anything! But I have to admit I enjoy a good glass of wine!

Apr 21, 2008 12:27 PM