Lemon and Dill Dressing

My favourite dressing of the moment is lemon and dill mayo

As we all know, mayonnaise is notoriously high in fat and each gram of fat is 9 kcal. Compare this is with protein or carbohydrates at 4 kcal per gram, you can see how, if you are not dollop shy (as I am not), the excess calories may lead to visceral fat gain. Perhaps this isn't something you are concerned about, but my lockdown body frankly doesn't need extra. I'm also not a fan of low fat mayo. It has a very odd, unnatural and unpleasant taste (no doubt due to the 'extra' ingredients that are added).

Of course fixating on calories is futile. Consider 100 kcal of sweets and 100 kcal chicken breast. Protein keeps us fuller for longer, steady's cravings and provides a host of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Boiled sweets (or hard candy as they are sometimes called) provide sugar and nothing else. Sugar hits the blood stream quickly, providing short term energy. This energy is replaced rapidly by tiredness, hunger and more cravings.

Back to fat! Mayonnaise is produced from seed oil, which apart from being very refined (highly processed) it is also high in Omega 6 (a type of fat). It has over 7 times more Omega 6 to Omega 3. A healthy range is 4:1 with some scientists suggesting that 1:1 is optimal. Why does this matter? Western diets are notoriously high in Omega 6 and an imbalance may lead to inflammatory conditions and disease states.

Full fat Greek yoghurt provides a viable, tasty alternative to mayonnaise. I find there is a huge difference taste wise between low fat yoghurt and natural, full fat Greek yoghurt. Low fat or fat free quite frankly, neither has the mouth feel that you get with full fat versions, or the taste. I feel like I've been cheated and I probably have. However, although the name sounds 'fatty' full fat Greek Yoghurt is only 19 kcal per tablespoon, 1.5g fat, contains plenty of nutrients and for me, it ticks all the boxes.

I hope you enjoy my Dill and Lemon Dressing recipe below?

Ali x