CookSmart (12th Issue) Page31

Dietitian Guide

Beware of High-Fat Food Trap

Many pork recipes are delicious but have relatively high fat contents as well. They are:

Pork chop cutlets

The batter and breadcrumbs used to coat the pork chops will absorb much oil, increasing the oil and calorie content of the dish.

Rice soaked in meat sauce

Meat sauce contains plenty of fat released from pork fillets and ribs, which increase the fat content.

Pock hock in ginger vinegar

The fats in the pork skin are dissolved into the vinegar after prolonged cooking.

Lard

Lard recipes such as rice with lard or noodles with deep-fried lard contain a high level of saturated fats, which raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Grilling and steaming, Frankie suggests, are both healthier ways to cook pork. Stir-fried pork dishes with plenty of vegetables such as “Stir-fried Minced Pork with Tomatoes” and “Stir-fried Tenderloins with Capsicum” are also healthier choices. Yet Frankie reminds us that when one consumes more pork, one will probably eat less grains or vegetables. He emphases the importance of following the Food Pyramid recommendations for building a healthy and balanced diet.

Pork is a popular food ingredient which goes well with many other foods. If chosen and cooked properly, pork is still a healthy food choice.