Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Make your favorite southern recipes healthier without sacrificing flavor—see how
Reading time: 4 minutes
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From flaky, buttery-soft biscuits to indulgent shrimp and grits—one thing’s for sure about Alabama, the food can’t be beat. However, it’s not always the best for our health. Chews Wisely Alabama is a program from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama making it easy for you to enjoy your favorite Southern recipes without weighing you down. Read on for top recipes, expert advice and more on the program.
About Chews Wisely Alabama
Southern food is deeply rooted in traditions passed on through generations. But with heart-warming, delicious meals comes ingredients that may not be the best for our health.
Chews Wisely Alabama is a program from Blue Cross that promotes healthier eating without sacrificing flavor in those classic Southern delicacies.
“We really looked at the state, our traditions and the things that make us Alabama. Our eating and Southern recipes are really something that we don’t want to stray away from.”
Keith Higginbotham, Graphics & Brand Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
So, how does it work? Blue Cross has resident dietitians who modify healthier versions of recipes you know and love. Then, they’re shared online for you to try yourself.
“We’d really love to build up and celebrate those rich traditions, but find ways that we can take small steps towards making those recipes healthier. You can still enjoy the great Southern food you love.”
Keith Higginbotham, Graphics & Brand Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Why it’s important
With fad diets constantly in the media cycle, eating healthier can feel intimidating. The truth is, any steps you take towards a healthier lifestyle are positive ones.
“What got this program started was seeing the data that shows the obesity epidemic that we have in Alabama. It leads to a lot of serious health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. We wanted to focus on it to see if we can not necessarily lower the rate, but slow the growth of it.”
Keith Higginbotham, Graphics & Brand Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Becoming a healthier version of you isn’t about completely changing your lifestyle, but instead, making conscious decisions about how to fuel your body in the right ways.
Popular recipes
Ready to get cooking? You don’t have to be a Food Network star to cook up these meals, and trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds.
“Especially in the south, we love our food and butters and all those rich ingredients that make our food as good as they are. A lot of people fear that removing those things takes the flavor with it, but we’ve found a way to maintain that flavor through these recipes.”
Keith Higginbotham, Graphics & Brand Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Check out some of the most popular recipes in the book:
By making easy swaps like whole wheat pasta, reducing salt and more, you can still enjoy your favorite meals without taking a punch to your overall health.
Submit your own
From your meemaw’s peach cobbler recipe to old-fashioned chicken n’ dumplings—I’m willing to bet most of us reading have a cherished family recipe. Wish you knew a healthy modification for them?
Chews Wisely Alabama is always accepting new user submitted recipes, eating tips that work for you and more. Their team will try your recipe and it may just be featured on the website! After all, getting healthier is better when we do it together.
Find out more about the Chews Wisely Alabama program—follow them on Facebook and Instagram and check out the latest recipes.
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