Soy Serves Up Fit Meals Fast

Soy Protein and Soybean Oil Offer Quick & Simple Solutions

ST. LOUIS, MO – Career obligations, workout time at the gym, school transportation, soccer practice, ballet rehearsals. With today’s whirlwind of activity, how do you produce meals that are quick, delicious and nutritious? Soy creates fast, fresh options in the kitchen. Cook up a fit meal in no time, and get back out there!

Soy based foods sit atop the recommendation list of registered dietitian Joy Blakeslee, who favors its nutritional boost and neutral taste, allowing the authentic flavors of the dish to stand out. “Soy is easily added into everyday meals,” notes Blakeslee, who shares these speedy recipe ideas, prepared in 10 minutes or less.

Tip – Stock up on healthy staples to start the day right: For a healthy breakfast or mid-day snack, a creamy Chocolate Monkey Peanut Shake tastes deceptively rich with vanilla soy milk whipped up with frozen bananas, chocolate syrup and peanut butter. “Keep ingredients on hand because this super shake will become an instant family favorite,” predicts Blakeslee. Other fast-paced breakfast ideas? Zap soy-based bacon and sausages in the microwave, and serve fresh fruit on the side. Or, stir vanilla soymilk into pancake mix instead of water.

Why it works: Packed with high-quality soy protein, vitamins and minerals, many soyfoods are also low in saturated fat and trans fat and cholesterol free, for everyday wellness.

Beyond basic nutrition, evidence suggests soy may help prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, certain types of cancer and alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Perhaps that’s why awareness of soy’s healthfulness is at an all time high of 85 percent, an 18 percent increase over the past nine years. Soy is also lactose-free, making it a particularly good fit for many minority populations who are often lactose intolerant.

Tip – Bite into a flavorful, aromatic salad for lunch or dinner: With a winning fatty acid profile (including zero grams of trans fat), liquid soybean oil is the perfect choice in salad dressings, such as our Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette. Soybean oil’s light and pure taste allows the tangy and sweet flavor elements in this dressing to shine along with your favorite greens. Try adding protein sources like edamame (whole green soybeans), strips of lean meat or toasted nuts to transform your salad into a satisfying one-bowl meal.
 

Why it works: Turning to soybean oil (commonly labeled as vegetable oil on store shelves), you’ll find a heart-healthy balance of low/no harmful fats and higher amounts of good fats. To explain, liquid soybean oil contains zero grams of cholesterol and trans fat, as well as less saturated fat than some alternatives. Plus, it provides unsaturated fats, which may reduce LDL cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats in the diet, and the primary source of healthful vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids in the U.S. diet.

If you look to diet strategies to impact your overall health, you’re in good company. According to the 2007 Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition survey commissioned by the United Soybean Board, three-fourths of consumers have changed their eating habits in the past three to five years due to health concerns. Increasingly, Americans report seeking out foods that contain soy specifically for health reasons, which makes sense, given soy’s health profile. Awareness about the healthfulness of soy is at an all time high of 85 percent, an 18 percent increase over the past nine years. Over one-third of consumers are aware of the FDA claim that consuming 25 grams of soy protein reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

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.

Easy and delicious recipes prepared with soy add a healthy boost to everyday dining, snacks, favorite foods, or entertaining. The possibilities are endless. For inspiration, try these simple recipe tips:

1. Bake, fry, or sauté with soybean oil to bring out the natural food flavors. Whisk it into marinades and salad dressings.

2. Drink soymilk as a year-round, everyday beverage. It makes a soothing cup of hot chocolate or a refreshing ice-cold glass of soymilk – straight-up in chocolate or vanilla flavors.

3. Add edamame to your favorite tuna or chicken salad recipe for enhanced protein and fiber. It will also stretch the recipe, making mealtime more affordable with extra servings.

4. Blend silken tofu into prepared Italian dressing for a creamy low-fat dressing. Cut firm tofu into sticks and fry lightly in soybean oil for a quick and tasty snack with dipping sauces.

5. Rise and shine by blending soy protein powder into a bowl of hot oatmeal or a glass of tangy, thirst quenching orange juice.