After our team spells out the health data (calorie count, fat content, cholesterol, etc) for every recipe in the issue, we will ask Marissa Lippert, a nutritionist, to name the best bang for your buck--health wise.
I love the balance in this dish. Spices and a tiny bit of sausage (one of my personal weaknesses) add intrigue to brown rice, a standby complex carb. While iceberg is delicious and crunchy, it offers very little nutritional value, but watercress saves the day. It's a stand-out dark leafy green that's full of brings fiber, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients.
This recipe features delicious legumes that are crammed with fiber, slow-burning carbohydrates and antioxidants. In short, they're a great source of energy. Simmering the beans is a low-fat method of preparing them, and going with an heirloom variety makes the recipe more interesting--a nice throwback to Southern tradition. Finally, between the cloves, thyme, coriander and chives, you've got serious flavor plus some additional antioxidants. A+!"
You can't go wrong with nutrient-rich dark leafy greens, antioxidant- and beta carotene-heavy butternut squash. This dish also uses a sprinkling of ham for a big flavor with minimal calories. Oh, and if you thought buttermilk was off-limits, think again. It's actually naturally low in fat."
--Marissa Lippert