These Grits are far less fat than traditional ones, but still creamy and delicious.
I would classify this recipe as a “better alternative” rather than a suggestion if you are looking to lose weight.
Grits are a fantastic food. They are inexpensive, quick, and easy to make. They can be a great alternative to mashed potatoes, with more nutrients and fewer calories, or you can serve them as your breakfast carbohydrate.
Corn Grits
Grits are a popular Southern American dish that are made from ground or crushed corn.
They contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and are also rich in iron, several B vitamins, and a small amount of vitamin E.
Here are amounts of the nutrients in one cup (257gr):
- Calories: 182
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 38 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Folate: 25% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Thiamine: 18% of the RDI
- Niacin: 13% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 12% of the RDI
- Iron: 8% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
- Zinc: 4% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
Health benefits
- Corn grits are a medium calorie-dense food and contain very small amounts of protein and fat, which is good to know if you are watching your weight.
- Cornmeal contains dietary fiber, which is a beneficial carbohydrate. It helps fill your stomach after a meal to keep you feeling full, and it helps in preventing constipation.
- Two of the antioxidants contained in grits – lutein, and zeaxanthin – helps in protecting against age-related eye diseases.
- They reduce the risk of Anemia, as they are loaded with iron.
Notes
- Try to get stone-ground grits, as these are harder for the body to break down, which prevents a blood sugar spike. This makes it a healthier complex carbohydrate.
- I like to serve this meal with sauteed breakfast sausage, tomato, and spinach. It is a great option for a healthy and rich breakfast on weekends.
- This is also excellent for shrimp and grits! Shrimp is an excellent protein source to pair this with.
- Try it with my Magical Mushroom Gravy for dinner!
- Grits do not contain much protein, so make sure to add some on the side.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grits#benefits
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-corn-meal-7537.html
https://www.webmd.com/diet/grits-health-benefits-nutrition-facts-and-how-to-prepare-them#1
Creamy Grits
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup corn grits preferably stone-ground, see notes for instant*
- 4 cup water
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt plain nonfat
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt and pepper
- 2 Bay leaves
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil and then add grits and seasonings. Lower to a simmer and cover.
- After about 10 minutes stir in butter. Then recover and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once ready, remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
Notes
