Tired of the same old lunchbox options or looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought polony? Why not try making your own polony at home? It’s fun, flavourful, and healthier too.
In an article published on Health For Mzansi, experts discuss the enduring popularity of polony in South African households, despite health concerns stemming from the 2017 listeriosis outbreak.
Despite being a staple, many are looking for healthier alternatives, especially for children’s lunches.
Phiwokuhle Myoyo, a mother from East London, acknowledges the convenience of store-bought polony but recognises the challenge of introducing healthier foods to children.
“We attempt to include tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and eggs into their lunch boxes but sometimes they opt for bread, polony, and russians, leaving the veggies untouched.”
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Healthy and homemade polony
Pumla Brook-Thomae, a chef and cookbook author, suggests various nutritious additions to homemade polony, such as onions, capsicum peppers, and mushrooms.
“If you are worried about the dryness of the chicken breast, adding a glug of olive oil before processing the ingredients into a smooth paste will add a bit of moisture and added nutrition.”
Meanwhile, Kinza Hussain, a registered dietitian with the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, highlights the health risks associated with commercially produced polony due to its high unhealthy fat and salt content.
She emphasises the importance of protein in our diets, suggesting alternatives.
“There are many alternative good quality proteins which can last long and are inexpensive. Amongst these include tinned fatty fish such as pilchards and tuna, plant proteins such as chickpeas, lentils and beans,” Hussain said.
Furthermore, Hussain explains that protein is essential for regulating the immune system, building muscle mass, and stabilising blood sugar levels. She recommends choosing whole, minimally processed foods and looking out for the Heart Mark logo, indicating healthier options.
The article encourages readers to experiment with ingredients and flavours and provides an easy-to-follow Spicy chicken polony recipe.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Vateka Halile
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