By Carleton Rivers, MS, RDN, LD

If you have lived in the South at any point in your life, you have most likely experienced the deliciousness of Southern food. Traditional Southern meals were created south of the Mason-Dixon Line and feature many common dishes such as cornbread, black eyed peas, okra, barbecue, and most notably pan-fried chicken and sweet tea. Although Southern food varies depending on the region (e.g. Cajun, Lowcountry, Appalachian), many traditional Southern foods are synonymous with high-calorie foods. To make these types of dishes fit into a healthy lifestyle, here are some lighter alternatives.

Featured Recipes:

• Zucchini Cornbread
• Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
• Baked Fried Chicken
• Refreshing Blackberry Iced Tea