FOR GOODNESS GRAZE
THROUGH HER own battle with nutrition, digestive issues, inflammation and more, Tara began paying more attention to what really matters in our food. Calories are not the enemy because they, too, have their role, but the things to which we need to pay closer attention are the ingredients. “Not all ingredients are created equally, and, depending on your individual needs or goals, you could be unknowingly setting yourself up”.
Tara Shoucair has been making healthier swaps for herself and her family for years, but recently began her page @ForGoodnessGraze in August 2020 to raise awareness about healthier options available locally, in an effort to help people maintain a healthier day-to-day diet. Health is not a one-size-fitsall proposition, and people have varying needs, in varying degrees. However, choosing healthier foods IS possible by changing just a few simple ingredients, provided we know what to look for.
“I am always intrigued and inspired by those who have reached out to me, wanting to change the quality of the food they are consuming and take control of their own food and health. For me, it’s simple: why stop when you can swap? I think you should be able to have your cake and eat it, too! It may come as a surprise concerning the abundant alternatives to regular enriched flour, counter sugar and other mass-produced ingredients filled with overly processed, unhealthy additives and chemicals.
“I was pleased to know that Elle & Vire had a Greek option without the added sugars. This made cutting some fat out of a few of my recipes that needed butter easier, while still getting the protein the body requires, along with probiotic benefits needed for digestive health.
“My aim is to partner with local companies who have the resources to make simple changes, and offer our consumers better choices at affordable prices. Chas E. Ramson has set quite the example with respect to helping consumers on their journey to better health. They understand the importance of having both, so they continue to provide their original line of products, but also cater to those that seek healthier options, all the while maintaining the same consistently high standard of quality.
“I applaud the companies and persons who have sought to diversify their offerings to cater to the growing needs of the consumer. While we know there is surely still work that needs be done, any step forward is a step in the right direction. I look forward to what the future holds, and I am happy to share with others some simple swaps, without having to sacrifice your favourite foods.”
Here are some of my recipes that help you to swap ingredients for better ones.
PARFAIT
2 containers plain Elle & Vire Greek Yogurt
1tsp natural sweetener, if desired (such as monk fruit or honey)
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups granola cereal
2 cups frozen or fresh fruit, no sugar added (For my recipe, believe it or not, I stewed chayote and sweetened with cinnamon and golden monk fruit.)
Toppings of choice – nuts and seeds
METHOD
Combine Elle & Vire Plain Greek Yogurt, sweetener (if needed, but I prefer plain), and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir well.
Place granola or choice of healthy cereal at base.
Place 1 cup of frozen or fresh fruit over granola. Top each with 1 cup yogurt mixture.
Repeat steps until desired amount and finish off with topping of choice, such as nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, etc.
Enjoy a nutritious and delicious snack or treat!
Store in the refrigerator until needed.
TZATZIKI GREEK DRESSING
Nutritionally speaking, tzatziki is a creamy but light sauce, and a great alternative to mayonnaise or more unhealthy dressings.
2 cups grated cucumber (peel skin, if desired)
1 ½ cups plain Elle & Vire Greek Yogurt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or dill
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 medium clove garlic, pressed or minced
½ teaspoon fine sea salt, if needed
METHOD
Working with one large handful at a time, lightly squeeze the grated cucumber between your palms over the sink to remove excess moisture. Transfer the squeezed cucumber to a serving bowl and repeat with the remaining cucumber.
Add the yogurt, olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to the bowl, and stir to blend. Let the mixture rest for five minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Taste and add additional chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, and/or salt, if necessary.
ELLE & VIRE GREEK YOGURT CHOCOLATE GANACHE
This healthier version of my chocolate ganache is so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you never tried it before! I use it to coat brownies and other baked goods, and even in my more decadent parfaits.
13 ounces baking chocolate of choice
1 1/2 cups plain Elle and Vire Greek Yogurt
METHOD
Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Add the chocolate to the top part of a double boiler. Gently stir constantly to melt chocolate.
Once the chocolate is smooth, remove it from the heat and fold in Elle & Vire Greek Yogurt.
Spoon the ganache into individual serving dishes.
Place the dishes in the refrigerator to let the ganache fully set.
Before starting any new diet and exercise programme, please check with your doctor .The information presented herein is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition.