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      Are Air Fryers Actually Healthy Or Am I Kidding Myself?

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      Healthy fried food that’s just as delicious as the real thing? This isn’t the stuff of legend. The air fryer is officially the go-to kitchen appliance of keto-dieters, Whole30 doers, and really anyone who is looking to enjoy healthier versions of crispy fries and chicken wings.

      The gadget, which “fries” food using a small amount of oil and hot air to dehydrate and cook to get a crispy texture, has boomed in popularity within the last few years—and it doesn’t appear to be dying down anytime soon.

      But is the hype really warranted? Are air fryers healthy? The experts have some thoughts.

      What is an air fryer exactly?

      Air fryers are countertop appliances that work like powerful, mini convection ovens. The inner chamber and suspended basket allow hot air to circulate around the food, causing it to cook, quickly, evenly, and to crispy perfection, says Dana Angelo White, registered dietician and author of the Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook. You can also place other properly sized dishes and pans inside for baking, she adds.

      Registered dietician Natalie Rizzo, says you can use an air fryer to replicate pretty much any traditionally fried food your heart desires. “You can use to it to create a crispy coating on anything you would normally fry, like french fries, chicken fingers, or veggies.”

      It can also be used to make a great nut or oat topping to add some crunch to roasted foods, she says. All you do is brush oil on the foods you’re about to fry and heat the device to the temperature you need. “It depends on what you’re cooking, but usually the 150- to 180-degree Celcius range is typical,” she says.

      READ MORE: Impress Everyone With This Simple Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne

      KambrookSmartlife Mechanical Air fryer, R1279

      So, are air fryers healthy?

      Air-frying is definitely healthier than a regular fryer, says Rizzo. By slashing the oil, you’re cutting a ton of calories and fat. The exact amount is hard to pinpoint because cooking preparations can vary by machine and by person, but you’re using a tablespoon of oil versus the whole bottle used in traditional deep-frying, says Rizzo.

      Plus, you can make a lot of veggie-heavy recipes taste just as satisfying as an order of fries, says White. “Some of my favourites are quinoa stuff peppers, sweet potato hash, asparagus wrapped with crispy prosciutto, and zucchini ribbons with fresh herbs,” she says. Yum!

      READ MORE: 2 Delicious, Nutritious Side Dishes That Work With Almost Any Meal

      Philips Essential Airfryer, R2499

      Are there any downsides to air-frying?

      It’s important to note that air-frying isn’t healthier than other non-frying cooking methods. (You’re still eating fried food, here.) “It makes things like chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks a little better for you, but they are still breaded, making them less healthy than eating grilled chicken or good old-fashioned cheese,” says Rizzo. You also might run the risk of eating bigger servings of foods that aren’t super nutritious (like fries) just because they’re made in a slightly healthier way than normal.

      Your best bet is to use the air fryer on occasion as a treat, but not daily. “I think it’s good to not go overboard on the air frying, and limit it to once a week,” says Rizzo.

      READ MORE: This 17-Day Slimdown Plan Will Help Get You Back In Shape

      What are the best ways to use an air fryer?

      Of course, an air fryer is a great option for lighter chicken wings and French fries but it’s also ideal for making healthier versions of breaded fish, pizza, and even cakes, says White. “For best results, I suggest always preheating the machine before cooking and be sure to clean the machine well between each use. Crumbs can accumulate in the bottom of the unit, which can burn and smoke,” she says.

      You don’t always need a recipe. “I usually use my air fryer for from-scratch cooking, but I’ll occasionally put some easy convenience foods like bagged frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer,” says White. “They come out so much better than baking them in the oven on a sheet pan.”

      Bottom line: Yes, air fryers help you prep classic fried foods in a healthier way. But it’s important to still eat air-fried foods in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com  More

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      What To Eat To Keep Your Gut Healthy And Your Skin Glowing

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      Here’s something new: it’s no longer bad manners to talk about what’s going on inside our tummies. Research now confirms that if we pay attention to the health of our gut, we can prevent breakouts, redness, dullness, inflammation and toxic build-up in our skin. Sounds good. But how can we improve gut health, fast?

      And what exactly is the connection between the gut and our skin? We ask the experts to shed some light on gut-healthy foods and supplements.

      READ MORE: “I Swapped My Regular Skincare Routine For A More Natural One — And The Results Were Surprising”

      Here, seven ways to keep your gut healthy and happy and your skin glowing…

      1. Eat a wide range of food

      Especially vegetables, fruit, seeds, legumes and fibre-rich carbohydrates to stimulate different strains of good bacteria.

      2. Get into fermented products

      Yoghurt, sauerkraut and kefir contain good bacteria lactobacilli, which help reduce the risk of disease.

      Choose a few fermented products and incorporate them into your day, or opt for a daily probiotic drink like Rawbiotics Daily, R97, from Faithful To Nature.

      3. Limit sweeteners

      Research shows artificial sweeteners increase blood sugar by stimulating the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Oof.

      READ MORE: Seriously Now, Is Alcohol Really THAT Bad For Your Sleep?

      4. Take a supplement

      Particularly when your skin is looking blah, a probiotic supplement ensures you’re giving your gut a healthy dose of live bacteria.

      Try Terra Nova Probiotic Complex, R397.50, from Faithful To Nature.

      5. Stock your plate with prebiotics

      Think artichokes, bananas, asparagus, oats and apples. These foods create a beneficial environment that allows good bacteria to grow instead of the bad stuff.

      6. Embrace whole grains

      With loads of fibre and beta-glucan, whole grains will encourage good bacteria to flourish.

      READ MORE: 21 Best Self-Care Gifts For Her That Go Way Beyond Face Masks

      7. Focus on polyphenols

      Plant compounds found in red wine, green tea, dark chocolate and olive oil, polyphenols help boost healthy bacterial growth.

      Try Cocoafair 95% Dark Chocolate, R57.99, from Faithful To Nature.

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

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      While we’re still on braai pies, why not experiment with even more with a braai pizza? This recipe can be made as healthy as you’d like. Skimp on the cheese and add extra flavour using spices and herbs to lower the kilojoule amount. You can make this even healthier by subbing white flour for something denser and more nutritious, like pea or chickpea flour. Plus, baking the dough on the braai comes close to that wood-fired oven effect, something a domestic oven will never achieve.
      Braai pizza: what you need

      1 packet instant yeast
      2½-3½ cups stone-ground white bread flour (like Eureka Mills)
      1 cup lukewarm water
      Pinch sugar
      2 tsp salt
      ¼ cup maize meal
      1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

      READ MORE: 9 Breakfast Ideas That’ll Give You A Better Boost Than Coffee
      For the topping

      400g tin whole tomatoes
      2 tbsp butter
      2 tbsp olive oil
      2 onions, sliced
      1 bag baby spinach leaves
      Half a lemon
      200g tub feta
      Black pepper
      Extra-virgin olive oil

      READ MORE: All The Things To Braai This Public Holiday If You’re Vegan
      Method

      In a large bowl, mix the yeast and sugar into the warm water and leave for 5 minutes. Stir in the oil. Add the maize meal, then stir in the flour. Tip the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Wipe another large bowl with olive oil, add dough, cover and leave in a warm place to rise until it’s doubled in size (1-2 hours). Punch down the dough and leave it to rise for another 40 mins. Divide the dough into four balls and leave to rise for 45 minutes.
      While the dough is rising, prepare the topping: process the tomato in a food processor or with a hand-held blender until more or less smooth.
      Sauté the onion in the butter and olive oil (covered) over very low heat until golden and sweet (about 40 mins). Remove onions, add a little olive oil and cook spinach, tossing it around constantly until it’s bright green and wilted. Add a spritz of lemon juice, then chop finely.
      Prepare the coals but don’t separate them out to the sides; once the coals are at a relatively high heat, they’re ready. Turn a baking sheet upside down and brush with olive oil.
      On a floured board, roll out one of the balls of dough into a five-millimetre-thick circle. Place on the baking sheet and brush with oil. Slide the pizza base (off the baking sheet) onto the grid and cook for about a minute. It should be cooked underneath and when it begins to resemble a giant poppadom. Slide back onto the baking sheet and cook the side facing up, then repeat with the other rounds of dough. Let the coals die down until considerably cooler – around medium heat.
      Add the topping to the cooked side of the pizza: spread with a thin smear of tomato, add spinach and onions, crumble over feta and grind over pepper.
      Slide back onto the grid. Close the dome and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes. It’s ready when the base is crisp (but not burnt) and the cheese is just melting. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and serve immediately. Repeat with the other bases.

      Makes 4 pizzas. Per 364g serving: 3051kJ, 29g fat (13g sat), 1 980mg sodium, 95g carbs, 6g fibre, 8g sugars, 23g protein.
      Try these 4 detox salads that are perfect for a weekend braai. Plus: This is the best alcohol to drink if you want to lose weight. More

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      Impress Everyone With This Simple Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne

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      The best advice for prolonging your youthful good looks: eat your veggies!Make this all-green spinach and ricotta lasagne or incorporate more green into your meat-sauce lasagne by adding three spinach layers and keeping the other two filled with bolognaise. Making your own lasagne means you’re more able to control the ingredients and therefore, keep your kilojoule intake lower than it would be with store-bought varieties packed with extra salt, sugar and fats.
      Remember: a good lasagne doesn’t go slip-sliding away but stands upright on your plate.
      Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne Recipe
      For the spinach and ricotta lasagne filling

      1 tbsp olive oil
      300g chard, washed, cored and sliced
      150g baby spinach leaves
      50g herbs (we used flatleaf parsley, winter savoury, one stick rosemary, sage, thyme and sweet rocket)
      150g ricotta
      1 tsp grated lemon zest
      Freshly ground nutmeg
      Sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper

      READ MORE: 2 Delicious, Nutritious Side Dishes That Work With Almost Any Meal
      For the béchamel

      30g butter or plant-based margarine
      30g flour
      450ml low-fat milk, warmed
      24.5cm x 17cm lasagne dish

      READ MORE: 10 Healthy Summer Recipes You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes
      Method

      Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add all the greens and cook for a few minutes, tossing constantly, until bright green and wilted. Place in a colander and use a bowl to press down on the greens and squeeze out every bit of liquid. Process in a food processor until smooth, seasoning with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Combine with the ricotta and lemon zest and set aside.
      In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming, add the flour and cook, stirring until it smells biscuity. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, simmer for two minutes and season.
      Preheat the oven to 200°C.
      Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the lasagne sheets for one minute and set aside on a plate lined with a tea towel. To assemble the lasagne, spread two tablespoons of bechamel over the base of a 24.5cm x 17cm lasagne dish and cover it with two lasagne sheets (you’ll have to cut them to fit). Spread two to three forkfuls of the spinach mixture over the lasagne sheets and then drizzle over two tablespoons of béchamel. Continue until you have five layers, finishing with a layer of spinach drizzled with four tablespoons of béchamel.
      Bake for 20 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with a drizzle of your finest extra-virgin olive oil.

      Serves 4. Per 363g serving: 1 965kJ, 17g fat (7g sat), 490mg sodium, 65g carbs, 14g fibre, 8g sugars, 23g protein.
      READ MORE: You’ve Got To Try These Super Simple Summer Rolls With Asian-Style Sauce  More

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      Why Fast Food Delivers Far More than Convenience

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      In 2022 ‘phoning it in’ isn’t a bad thing… in fact it’s the best thing for those with a fast-paced schedule and ever-increasing demands on their time. Leading on-demand delivery brand, Mr D, provides South Africans with the most convenient way to order from a vast range of restaurants, exotic cuisines from around the world, snacks and treats and even a drinks cart – all with the opportunity to pay immediately.
      But the option to order food from anywhere at any time is so much more than just convenience as a service. The entire process, from selection, to ordering, to payment, to delivery, offers an incredibly attractive trade-off.
      Saving you time, and calories
      For the working professional, it often seems hard to have it all. Between juggling the demands of your job and keeping fit, all while still enjoying a social life, feeding yourself can sometimes feel like a bit of an uphill battle — especially when you’re trying to stay healthy. But it doesn’t need to be.
      With Mr D’s vast range of restaurants there’s options for everyone. From nutritious vegetarian cuisine, to low-calorie Poké bowls, and even something for those craving the enjoyment of a home-cooked meal, you won’t struggle to find something delicious that’s as healthy as it is convenient. Because fast food does not have to be bad food.
      Balance and enjoyment – Mr D offers the best of both worlds
      Nowadays we hear so much about maintaining a good work-life balance. Easier said than done when work and play leave little room for some of life’s daily necessities. Not a problem with Mr D, which has you covered, no matter the circumstance.
      Getting home late, exhausted after a post-office workout? Having family or friends over for dinner and not sure what to cook? With a few simple taps, not only does an entire world of dining choices open up, but you can also pay, set the location, and track your order throughout the entire process – seamlessly and effortlessly – which adds to the enjoyment. You’ll always know exactly where your meals are and when you can expect the doorbell to ring. So the only fast you need to worry about is the pace of your life and workouts.
      Mr D has fast food sorted for you
      Gone are the days of takeaways being limited to a handful of restaurants. With Over 10 000 restaurants to choose from, Mr D has options for every taste and dietary requirement.
      Just tap on the Mr D app to take a tantalising journey through your options because mealtimes should be woohoo moments, every single time. It doesn’t matter what you’re in the mood for – Italian delights, a convenient curry, an Asian taste explosion or something to please your sweet tooth – Mr D delivery is your dinner-time winner by making sure your cravings are catered to on time, every time. The hardest part is deciding what you want to order
      For more on Mr D’s quest to conquer effort check out Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
      The Mr D delivery app is available on the App Store, Google Play and AppGallery. More

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      2 Delicious, Nutritious Side Dishes That Work With Almost Any Meal

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      When serving up food for guests this season, remember that more is more. A variety of dishes that pile up on the plate feels so satisfying and sharing the flavours together creates that summer sharing vibe: fun and easy. These side-dishes add carbohydrates and a portion of vegetables to a meaty main dish, but they also accompany giant salad platters perfectly, adding bulk to an otherwise smaller meal. Try these simple but flavourful side dishes to get everyone talking at your next get-together.
      READ MORE: 28 Easy Food Swaps That’ll Help You Lose Weight
      Creamy Baby Spinach
      The texture of creamed spinach but without the cream and, arguably, more flavour.
      What You Need1 tbsp olive oil1 large onion, finely chopped3 cloves garlic, finely chopped400g baby spinach, washed and stalks removed2-4 tbsp finely grated ParmesanFreshly ground nutmegSea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper
      MethodIn a medium pot, saute the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened but without colour. In the mean time, finely slice the spinach. Add the spinach to the pot and cook, stirring, until reduced in volume. Still stirring, gradually add enough parmesan until it looks creamy and sticky. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and serve.
      READ MORE: 10 Healthy Summer Recipes You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes
      Potato Gratin
      In this gratin the potatoes cook in chicken stock rather than milk and cream. It’s light, crisp on top and has a savoury kick.
      What You Need600g potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced¾ cups chicken stockSea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepperButter or olive oil (optional)
      MethodPreheat the oven to 200C. Butter a gratin dish. Toss the potatoes with the chicken stock and season well. Layer the potatoes in the dish and, if you like, dot the top with butter or drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for about one hour – when it’s cooked a knife should pierce the potatoes easily and top will be crisp and golden.
      READ MORE: You’ve Got To Try These Super Simple Summer Rolls With Asian-Style Sauce More

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      10 Healthy Summer Recipes You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes

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      Healthy summer recipes are easy enough: add fresh, crisp ingredients, toss and enjoy. But iceberg lettuce and a plain vinaigrette don’t have to be the be-all and end-all of your summer diet. When creating healthier recipes, there are so many ingredients that pack flavour but don’t add excess kilojoules to your plate.
      Right now, you want food that’s fresh and fast – and that features the season’s bounty of healthy ingredients. These recipes from creative culinary guru Mark Bittman do all that. Best of all, each one takes less than 20 minutes to make!
      Healthy Summer Recipes
      1. Feta and Watermelon Salad
      Combine watermelon balls or cubes in a bowl with crumbled feta cheese, sliced radishes, chopped fresh chives and a few drops of olive oil; toss well. Spoon over a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce, being sure to use all the extra juice left in the bottom of the bowl.
      2. Deviled Eggs with Crab
      Hard-boil eggs; meanwhile, combine crab meat with a spoonful of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise or yoghurt, lemon juice, diced red bell or small salad pepper, paprika and cumin; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Run eggs under cold water, shell and halve them, remove and mash the yolks into the crab mixture; stuff into the whites. Sprinkle the top with chopped parsley (or caviar, for that matter).
      Mark’s Tip: Buy fresh crab meat or use chopped cooked prawns.
      3. Rocket with Balsamic Strawberries
      Hull and slice about two cups of strawberries and place them in a large salad bowl. Toss with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and several twists of the black pepper grinder. Let it sit for five minutes. Add a bunch of rocket, some crumbled goat’s cheese and a sprinkle of salt; drizzle with olive oil and toss.
      READ MORE: You’ve Got To Try These Super Simple Summer Rolls With Asian-Style Sauce
      4. Prosciutto, Peach and Mozzarella Salad
      For each person, cut a fresh peach into eight wedges. Tear prosciutto and sliced mozzarella into bite-size pieces. Dress mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss in the peaches, prosciutto and cheese.
      5. Wholewheat Spaghetti and Cucumber with Dipping Sauce
      Boil and salt water for pasta; meanwhile, combine a quarter cup of chicken stock or water, three tablespoons of soy sauce, two tablespoons of a little honey mixed with warm water, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl; mix to dissolve the sugar. Cook the noodles until al dente, then rinse under cold water. Serve a nest of the noodles along with sliced cucumbers in a bowl (set it over ice cubes if you like), with a small bowl of the dipping sauce on the side garnished with chopped spring onion.
      Mark’s Tip: Add a bit of freshly grated ginger or wasabi for more spice, and top with bits of cooked meat or tofu.
      6.Courgette and Dill Soup
      Grate a couple of courgettes. Cook a chopped onion in butter until softened, then add the courgette and stir until softened (five minutes or so). Add vegetable or chicken stock and bring to the boil; simmer for about five minutes, then purée until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and lots of fresh chopped dill.
      Mark’s Tip: For a richer texture, add fresh ricotta, sour cream or yoghurt while puréeing.
      READ MORE: These Banana Muffins Actually Alleviate PMS And Cramping
      7. Fish Tacos
      Cook a chopped red onion in olive oil for a minute or two. When it’s soft, add a big pinch of ground cumin or coriander and some salt and pepper. Keeping the heat relatively high, add about 450g of fish fillets (white fish works well here; you can also try crab or prawns) and stir to break them into chunks, cooking until they’re just opaque. Remove from the heat, squeeze lime juice over the mixture and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Warm corn tortillas and fill with the fish mixture. Top with shredded cabbage, chopped tomato, a splash of hot sauce (red Tabasco is good) and a dollop of sour cream.
      8. Honey Eggplant
      Combine half a cup each of chopped parsley and breadcrumbs with three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of honey, a minced garlic clove and a pinch of salt. Cut one large or two medium eggplants crosswise into 2.5-centimetre slices and score the top of each slice.
      Put the slices in a dish and spread the breadcrumb mixture over the tops, pressing it into the slits. Partially cover with wax paper and microwave on high for about five minutes. Remove the paper and cook for another two or three minutes, until very soft. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve with yoghurt on the side.
      9. Korean Braaied Beef
      Slice a fillet steak into two-centimetre pieces. Mix together a teaspoon of sesame oil, a tablespoon of brown sugar, three tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of a little honey mixed with warm water, two minced cloves of garlic and a pinch of dried chilli flakes. Brush the meat with the sauce and braai until it begins to crisp (about two minutes per side), basting frequently. Serve the beef sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
      READ MORE: Here’s How To Make The Viral TikTok Green Goddess Salad
      10. Spicy Braaied Pork with Peach Marmalade
      Combine a quarter cup of peach or apricot preserve with some minced garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, a tablespoon of soy sauce, half a teaspoon of mustard powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt. Coat thin, boneless pork chops with the marmalade and place on the braai, taking care not to let the marmalade burn. Slice fresh peaches or apricots in half and remove the pits; sprinkle with salt and cook flesh-side down until they start to brown and just soften. Serve the fruit with the pork. More

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      You’ve Got To Try These Super Simple Summer Rolls With Asian-Style Sauce

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      These summer rolls are a great way to slip some fresh veggies into the mix! We’ve swapped out rice paper rolls for baby spinach leaves – more nutrients – and the pickle gives this dish a zingy, juicy crunch. These summer rolls are low-carb, healthy, low-kilojoule and pack a flavour punch. You’ll be having thirds and fourths before you know it.
      Here’s how to make leafy summer rolls with an Asian-style dipping sauce…
      Asian summer rolls
      Ingredients 
      – 12 large baby spinach leaves– 2 baby/Mediterranean cucumbers, julienned– Crispy onion sprinkle– Beetroot microgreens– 12 long chives, blanched
      For the pickle
      – ½ cup lime juice– 2 tsp sugar– 2 medium-sized carrots, julienned– 2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger, julienned– 2 long green chillies, seeded and julienned
      READ MORE: 9 Breakfast Ideas That’ll Give You A Better Boost Than Coffee
      For the dipping sauce
      – 2 tbsp soy sauce– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar– 3 tbsp water– 1 tsp red spring onions, sliced
      Summer Rolls With Sauce: Method
      1/ Make the pickle by mixing the lime juice and sugar in a bowl, then add the carrot, ginger and chillies and toss well. Leave for 10 minutes.2/ Mix together all ingredients for dipping sauce and set aside.3/ Place some of the carrot pickle on a spinach leaf, add some cucumber, a little of the onion sprinkle and one or two micro greens. Roll up and tie with a blanched chive.
      SERVES 12. Per 71g serving or bundle: 85kJ, 0g fat (0g sat), 5g carbs, 210mg sodium, 1g fibre, 1g protein
      READ MORE: 24 High-Fibre Foods That Should Be On Your Plate Every Day, According To Nutritionists
      Cook’s note
      These need to be made fresh just before serving. If you can’t be bothered with the finicky task of wrapping and tying each roll, spoon the filling into individual baby gem lettuce leaves and serve the dipping sauce with a spoon, so guests can spoon it over the filling just before eating. More