Playing Nice with Cauliflower Rice
If you’re watching calories, you may think that you have to go without some of your favorite foods. But, rather than feel deprived, I prefer to look at this as an opportunity to add, or experiment with, other foods like vegetables. As a partner of the Together Counts™ program for healthy, active living, I recognize that one way to cut calories and carbohydrates is to swap in food substitutes such as regular rice for cauliflower “rice.” All you have to do is toss cauliflower florets in a food processor and give them a whirl. Here are some of my favorite ways to use cauliflower rice.
- Make a cauli-omelet. Sauté cauliflower rice in olive or coconut oil, add a couple eggs or egg whites, and you have a delicious way to start your morning.
- Try a stir-fry. Replace regular rice with cauli-rice in your favorite stir-fry recipe. If you’re not quite willing to swap all of the regular rice, go half rice and half cauli-rice.
- Mash with potatoes. Experimenting with new ways to add veggies to your favorite side dishes is a great way to gently persuade family members to try more nutritious options. When I first made mashed cauliflower for my husband it turned out like watery mush. The next time, I boiled the cauliflower florets with potatoes (which I know he loves) and it was much tastier. If a dish doesn’t turn out the first time, don’t be afraid to tweak it and try again.
Maggie Thorison is the Wellness Manager for TOPS Club, Inc., a nonprofit weight-loss support organization with thousands of chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Maggie has a passion for fitness and wellness and shares healthy tips for the workplace and everyplace in her bi-weekly Wellness Wednesday blog.
For more smart ways to eat at home check out these other articles from Together Counts!