In summer, slices of sausage swallowed too quickly can quickly cause the calorie counter to explode. Fortunately, a lower-fat, higher-protein alternative could save your appetizers.
A more filling and less fatty option
This alternative, put forward by our colleagues at Top Santé, is none other than the “Saint Agaûne” dry sausage, a specialty of dried meat cut into thin slices. Much less fat and much more protein than its cousin the sausage (it contains around 31 g of protein per 100 g), it seems to have everything good.
“Certain dried meats actually have more interesting nutritional profiles than traditional sausage. They are generally less fat, richer in protein and contain fewer calories for an equivalent portion,” confirms Melissa de Guardia, dietician-nutritionist.
This is particularly the case for Graubünden meat, biltong (dried meat typical of South African cuisine) or bresaola. But also this famous dry sausage from the “Saint Agaûne” brand which displays 16.5% lipids when many cold cuts exceed 40 g of fat per 100 g. And “in terms of taste, it’s pretty nice“, recognizes dietician Stéphanie Drieu on France bleu. Indeed, this charcuterie has a very pleasant light smoky taste.
A good reason to swap your usual sausage for this healthier variant.
“Classic sausage often remains very rich in saturated fat and salt. Consumed occasionally, it does not pose any particular problem, but it can quickly become high in calories when it is regularly present during aperitifs. Conversely, leaner dried meats make it possible to lighten aperitif platters a little while retaining the gourmet and convivial side”, admits Melissa de Guardia.
However, it must be kept in mind that it is nevertheless
“processed cold meats, often rich in sodium and sometimes containing nitrites or preservatives”, she emphasizes.
Balancing your aperitif: instructions for use
On a daily basis, balance is played out above all on the entire plateau. Combining these charcuterie products with raw vegetables, pickles, homemade hummus, guacamole, olives or legume-based spreads allows you to create a more filling and balanced aperitif.
“Unsalted oilseed fruits, such as almonds or walnuts, can also be good alternatives. Rich in good lipids and fiber, they provide more satiety while limiting excesses,” underlines Melissa de Guardia.
So remember to diversify your food choices and better balance quantities. “An aperitif can still be a moment of pleasure without becoming excessively rich!”
concludes the dietitian.