For some people, the mere mention of "eating healthy" has a negative connotation. They sneer, berate and avoid, turning up their noses like a child refusing a piece of broccoli. But more and more people are adopting healthy lifestyles, and that includes searching for new and better ways to eat.
As a health-conscious consumer, you've probably tried every vegetable, fruit, grain and rice out there. But since variety is the spice of life, I would like to suggest some ways to make healthy eating adventurous and exciting again. For instance, I bet your protein sources haven't changed much. You've probably gone on safari through the jungles of fruit and vegetables, but you set out with the same ol' trusty companions: chicken, beef, pork and fish. It might be time to make some new friends.
My philosophy on food is simple: You're at the top of the food chain, and anything under you is fair game. Pun intended, as game meats offer a whole new world of healthy protein to explore.
Game animals like deer (venison), elk, buffalo, bison, quail, emu, ostrich, pheasant, rabbit, and others are more readily available than you might think. You can purchase them online through e-retailers, or they may be available locally at specialty stores and even your local grocery. (My grocer carries venison and ground buffalo throughout the year.)
What's so healthy about game? For one, most game meats come from the wild, or are farmed without growth hormones, antibiotics or synthetic chemicals. Since game animals live more active lifestyles than their domesticated counterparts, game meats tend to have less fat, and their natural diet produces meat that is more nutritious, with higher levels of minerals and good amino acids.
In the mood for chili? Ground buffalo meat is lean, flavorful and satisfying. Cook it with onions, peppers, carrots, garlic, chipotle peppers, canned tomato and kidney beans for a healthier version of the everyday beef chili. I like to top it off with a scoop of fat-free yogurt and eat it with warm naan bread.
Since moving to Florida, alligator has become one of my favorite white meats. It's low in fat, has excellent texture (somewhere between chicken and pork) and is often organic. I like to grill it, stew it, and I even make my kid alligator salad sandwiches — a quick way to make friends at school. "Whoa! You're eating alligator? Cool!"
Impress yourself with easy alligator curry by cooking the gator with onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potato, chickpeas, a little chicken bullion and curry powder. Add coconut milk when the onions are mushy, and simmer until the potatoes are soft. Serve over warm basmati rice. I guarantee you'll go back for seconds.
In the mood for a barbecue this weekend? Why not invite your friends over for a "safari on the grill"? Thanks to fast shipping and the large variety of game meats available on the internet (exoticmeatmarket.com is a good place to start), you can grill up some yak burgers, antelope sausages, ostrich fillets or alligator ribs this weekend. Your friends and family will be astounded at how delicious — and healthy — game meats can be. And best of all, it's just plain fun to try exotic new foods.
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2011.