There has generally always been an association with healthy eating and the term Vegetarianism. Perhaps this is due to the limelight that has been shed on the Vegetarian world in past years in the search for the ”perfect” diet. Vegetarians, with the absence of meat, need to make up the minerals and complete protein content required for health in other foods. And so the basis of the Vegetarian diet is made of beans, lentils, rice, tofu and related meat alternatives. In this, it has generally been hard for a Vegetarian to be unhealthy. That is, until the introduction of popular foods of late such as deep fried tofu. Is this a bit of fun or a cause for concern?

What Is Deep Fried Tofu?

Deep fried tofu is basically as it reads. Similar to a dagwood dog or chips, it is tofu deep fried in a vat of oil at a high temperature so as to produce an oily, crunchy textured food, usually served with a sauce of your choice. Tofu is one of many to join the line of other deep fried foods once thought un-deep friable, such as deep fried coca-cola, deep fried chocolate and deep fried ice-cream. The scary thing is that these types of foods are more often being selected as a daily meal choice, as opposed to being the occasional treat.

Bad Example Equals Bad Behavior

Obesity is the most common health issue affecting Western society today. Our foods are getting fattier, our meals bigger, and children more and more over-weight. And it’s no wonder this is so when the example that we are giving them is confusing them as to what a healthy food choice is. They listen and learn that words like Vegetarianism equal healthy, then turn around and see foods such as deep fried tofu on the menu. This confusion is one of the reasons that Western society is the biggest and unhealthiest in the world.

Healthier Alternatives

Rather than sitting down to a meal of deep fried tofu, a much healthier option would be to stir fry tofu with a little oil with crisp, fresh vegetables and serve it with a scoop of brown rice. Grill, boil and poach rather than fry or deep fry, and use oil sparingly. It does not require a huge effort to learn a little about what is good for you and put it into practice to gain a huge result. Respect your body and try to serve you and your family the best. And also to keep portions under control – only put in what you put out. If you’re not about to run a marathon, try not to eat like it!