Eating Healthy Does Not Mean

Favorite Recipes Get a Make Over with Soy Foods and Oil

ST. LOUIS, MO – Your brain says "broccoli," but your mouth says, "pizza!" Despite our best intentions, eating healthy isn’t always easy. According to a study from the market research firm, NPD Group, Americans still prefer hamburgers, pizza and french fries over all other foods. So, is there a healthy way to enjoy these favorite foods, or does healthy eating mean saying good-bye to burgers and fries? According to nutrition expert, Joy Blakeslee, RD, we can find a happy, and healthy, medium. And soy may help.

Blakeslee explains, "Eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to mean giving up all the delicious foods we love. Try some easy tricks to prepare classic favorites, like burgers and pizza, with less saturated fat and more nutritional value."

For instance, soy foods and oil allow you to cook favorite foods, without a side order of guilt. Soy offers a complete source of protein with zero grams trans fat, no cholesterol and little saturated fat. Many health experts recommend soy protein because it lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol. "Grill with soy veggie burgers or use soy crumbles in your stir fry for a heart-healthy serving of soy protein," suggests Blakeslee.

Like soy protein, liquid soybean oil is low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol or trans fat. Soybean oil, commonly labeled as vegetable oil, also contains poly- and monounsaturated ("good") fats that reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Steve Poole, Director of Soy Protein and Edible Oils programs for the United Soybean Board (USB) adds, "soybean oil is also one of the few non-fish sources of omega-3s, which contribute to a healthy heart and may help prevent some forms of cancer."

Make the soy connection for healthier ways to keep favorite foods on the menu:

• Grill fresh vegetables such as summer squash, eggplant and bell peppers along with lean meats and tofu for a balanced meal.

• Make your own pizzas using readymade crusts. Load up the pizza with lots of healthy veggies such as sliced tomatoes, fresh baby spinach and steamed broccoli. Choose lean meats and soy pepperoni to cut back on saturated fat.

• Serve salads with homemade vinaigrette dressing made with soybean oil. Making your own dressing allows you to control the fat and salt content.

• Top soy veggie burgers with flavorful and traditional toppings such as grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, blue cheese and fire roasted chiles.

• When frying, use soybean oil to keep foods from sticking to the pan. When grilling, spray meat and veggies directly with a soybean oil-based spray to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

As obesity rates continue to climb, healthy meal make-overs like these take on more importance than ever. Research shows Americans recognize the importance of good nutrition and try hard to make healthy food choices. According to USB’s 13th Annual Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition study, 87 percent of American consumers are at least somewhat concerned about nutritional content of foods, and three-quarters changed their eating habits in the past year due to health concerns.

Consumers also rate soybean oil as one of the two healthiest and most frequently used cooking oils. Blakeslee comments, "Clearly consumers want to choose foods carefully. Luckily, healthy foods can also be delicious foods."

About the United Soybean Board:

The United Soybean Board is a farmer-led organization comprised of 64 farmer-directors. USB oversees the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. For more soy and health information, please visit www.soyconnection.com.

Make Favorite Foods Healthier with Soy

Despite increased concern about obesity and the desire to eat healthfully, Americans still list pizza, hamburgers, and French fries among their favorite foods. While struggling to balance health with taste, Americans face a "comfort food conundrum." Luckily, with a little help from the experts, we can have it all – great tasting foods and healthy bodies!

Nutrition expert, Joy Blakeslee, RD, shares a few suggestions for ways to increase the nutritional value of foods we eat everyday:

• Choose Soybean Oil for Grilling and Frying: When grilling or frying in a pan, use a soybean oil based spray to keep your food from sticking while adding a minimum amount of saturated fat and zero grams trans fat.

• Put a New Twist on an Old Favorite: Try a heart-healthy spin on crispy finger foods: Tofu Fingers! Lightly fried in soybean oil and packed with soy protein, Tofu Fingers quickly and healthfully satisfy your fried-food craving. This kid-friendly recipe will be a hit with the whole family.

• Whisk It Up...and Keep the Fat Down: Balance out your meal with salad tossed in homemade soybean oil vinaigrette. Making the salad dressing yourself lets you control the fat and salt content.

• Pile On the Veggies: Compliment your favorite foods with grilled vegetables like summer squash, eggplant and bell peppers. Pile pizza high with extra veggies plus low-fat soy pepperoni.

Soy veggie burgers are another great way to please your palate. Pump up the flavor with savory toppings like these:

• Tossed coleslaw

• Ancho chilies and Pepper Jack cheese

• Grilled mushrooms and blue cheese

• Tangy BBQ sauce and grilled onions

• Avocado, tomato, lettuce and chipotle mayo

• Fresh red onion and thick slices of tomatoes

• Shredded carrots, sprouts and ranch dressing

• Sun dried tomato spread, leaf lettuce and melted mozzarella cheese

• Sweet teriyaki sauce, pickled ginger, radish sprouts and wasabi mayo

Click on the attached PDF for two great recipes. For additional recipes, photography or more information on the health benefits of soy, please contact Brie Baltzell at Brie.Baltzell@publicis-pr.com.