I’m very picky about my condiments. Maybe you are too. So when I do a nutritional intake with a new client I pay close attention to their use of condiments because we all have our favorites. Some are healthier for you than others.
In making suggestions to clients it becomes a “use this, not that” kind of idea. And it helps to think outside the condiment box.
So what would I say are the five best condiment choices?
1. I have to start with MY favorite one…….MUSTARD!
Mustard is absolutely one of the healthiest condiments! It has no added sugar. Also, mustard seed itself is a source of powerful antioxidants. In addition to the antioxidants in the mustard seed, most yellow mustards also contain tumeric and paprika, which both contain powerful antioxidants as well!
2. Guacamole.
It has lots of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Remember to use it as a condiment, so keep your portion size appropriate.
And it makes everything taste better. Use it instead of mayo in egg salad. Make your own. It’s fresher and fast to make.
3. Salsa.
Although ketchup might be on an unhealthy list due to the sugar content, salsa makes the super healthy list as it almost never has added sugars. Salsa is mostly just vegetables and it mixes well with guacamole!
4. Hummus.
Hummus is mostly just chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, and is easily one of the healthiest condiments. Or you can use it as a separate snack by itself.
The main thing to look for when buying a good hummus is to make sure it’s made with olive oil. Unfortunately most brands use cheap soy or canola oil, but if you’re a label reader, it’s easy to find a brand that uses solely olive oil.
However, I suggest making your own. I do and it’s easy and you can control the ingredients and make it just to suit your taste. I’ve tried many different store-bought hummus brands and I simply prefer my own!
One of my favorite snacks is just veggie sticks with hummus. However, hummus is also a delicious condiment to go with sandwiches or used as a salad dressing.
5. Pesto.
Pesto is generally a mix of garlic, pine nuts, basil, olive oil, and grated cheese. It’s a great source of healthy fats and also powerful antioxidants, mostly from the garlic and basil, but to some extent from the pine nuts and olive oil too.
Pesto goes incredibly well with sandwiches, on meat dishes, or on eggs.
Surprised you didn’t see hot sauce on this list? Let’s call it #5A.
I’m not much of a hot sauce user but hot sauce is fairly healthy. Most hot sauces don’t have added sugars. And the hot peppers are actually good for you and could even cause a slight and temporary metabolism increase. The only drawback to most hot sauces is a moderately high sodium content. Unless you go nuts with loads of hot sauce on every meal, the sodium content in hot sauce will not be an issue.
So that’s my list. You might have your own, so let me know if I left anything off this one!
