Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiments

Adding Flavor

Pam Gaulin
Top guilt-free condiments are one way to keep you calories, fat-intake and sugar and sodium consumption in check. After all, what's the point of eating healthily if you intend to smother your good food choices with fat-laden and high calorie condiments?

Here are some of the top guilt-free condiments. These top guilt-free condiments will add flavor to your favorite healthy foods, without heaping on the guilt.

These top guilt-free condiments are also ordinary items that can be purchased at your local grocery store, and require no special trip to the health food store or gourmet food.

Why "Low-Fat" and "Non-Fat" Dressings May Not be Guilt-Free

Finding guilt-free everyday condiments takes more than just purchasing the low-fat version of your favorite salad dressings or mayonnaise.

In order to compensate for the level of taste lost by removing or reducing the fat, many non-fat and low-fat versions of standard oil-based condiments have added sugar and sometimes sodium.

The other problem with non-fat and low-fat versions of food products is that consumers tend to eat more, and use more, because of the low-fat and non-fat labeling.

Yet another problem with non-fat and low-fat versions of food products is how the manufacturer has constituted a "serving size." The serving size might be less than that of the "full-fat," version, making the non-fat and low-fat versions of food product appear healthier, when it is really just a numbers game.

For these three reasons, simply purchasing the low-fat or non-fat version of your favorites may not be contributing to your improved health.

Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiments

Fortunately, you can still enjoy flavor and add moisture to your favorite healthy foods when you use one of these top guilt-free everyday condiments.

#1 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment: Salsa

Salsa can be used to spice up and flavor so many healthy foods, including chicken dishes, tortillas, sandwich wraps, a turkey sandwich, and even salad. Replace the salad dressing on your favorite salads with a chunky and flavorful salsa. The salsa adds nutrients, very few calories, little or no fat, a variety of vegetables, and a medley of flavors.

#2 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment: Brown Mustard

Forget the mayonnaise, and use brown mustard for your sandwiches. Brown or spicy mustard can also be used to add flavor to steak (in moderation), broiled or baked chicken, and you can use mustard to spice up your favorite no- or low-calorie Italian dressing or vinaigrette.

#3 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment: Non-Fat Plain Yogurt

Non-Fat plain yogurt can substitute for mayonnaise in homemade salad dressings. Non-fat plain yogurt can also make sweet potatoes creamier. Substitute sour cream for non-fat plain yogurt for dips or other dishes. Non-fat plain yogurt tends not to have added sugars or salts.

#4 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment:Light Miracle Whip

When you absolutely must use some form of mayonnaise or salad dressing, like in cole slaw, use Light Miracle Whip. Those who are accustomed to mayonnaise will find Miracle Whip to taste slightly sweeter. One tablespoon of Light Miracle Whip as 37 calories and threee grams of fat, compared to the 50 calories and five grams of fat in the same serving amount of "light mayonnaise"

#5 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment:Balsamic Vinegar

Drizzle balsamic vinegar on your favorite vegetable before broiling or grilling. Vegetables like asparagus, green peppers, red peppers, onions, yellow squash, and zucchini can all be flavored withbalsamic vinegar. Use of Italian dressing or olive oil is completely optional. Add a dash of sea salt, and some freshly ground pepper as well.

#6 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment:Fruit Dip

You can make a low calorie fruit dip by mixing equal portions of all natural applesauce and non-fat yogurt. Add cinnamon to taste. You may be surprised.

#7 Top Guilt-Free Everyday Condiment: Sweet and Sour Salad Dressing

Sweet and Sour Salad dressing can be bought or made. Typical Sweet and Sour salad dressing is low in calories and fat free. It does have high sodium.

Published by Pam Gaulin - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment and Lifestyle

Pam Gaulin is a freelance writer, journalist (B.A., Journalism), new (and next!) media writer and artist. Associated Content named her 2007 Content Producer of the Year. "First for Women" magazine featured...  View profile

  • Salsa can be used on chicken, tortillas, and even on salads.
  • Balsamic vinegar will turn grilled or broiled vegetables in delecacies.
  • Use non-fat yogurt or Miracle Whip not mayonnaise.
In order to compensate for the level of taste lost by removing or reducing the fat, many non-fat and low-fat versions of standard oil-based condiments have added sugar and sometimes sodium.

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