Hi, Quick question from a mom who’s trying to do her best for her family and sneak in a little self-care where I can.
I’ve been using extra virgin olive oil a lot more lately, mainly in cooking (salads, roasting, drizzling on pasta for the kids), but also a little on my skin at night. Honestly, I love it for both.
But here’s my question: Since I’ve been trying to be a bit more mindful about what I eat and I loosely track calories, I’ve started wondering if EVOO is a bit too calorie-heavy to use every day or if the health benefits make it totally worth it?
I usually have about a tablespoon a day, mostly in dressings or for flavor. I enjoy it and it feels good to use, but I keep seeing mixed opinions online about whether it’s “too much” for the average person.
How do you all approach it? Is it something you factor into your daily intake? Would love to hear how others fit it into their routine, especially if you’re cooking for a household and juggling nutrition + flavor.
I’m no expert or anything, but from what I’ve read, olive oil’s actually one of the healthiest fats you can use. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using it as long as you’re not overdoing it. If you’re tracking stuff and things are going okay, it probably fits fine in your plan. I still cook with it pretty often and haven’t had any issues.
I’m a single dad with two growing kiddos, so I get where you’re coming from. Trying to keep meals healthy, make them taste good and not overthink every single calorie.
Personally, I think a tablespoon a day is just fine. You’re getting antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits and it helps with nutrient absorption too.
I don’t count calories but I do stay mindful. For me, the health upsides make it worth keeping in the daily mix.
Oof, I so relate to this! I’m not a mom, but I live alone and cook a lot, and I’ve been trying to eat more intuitively without totally ditching my calorie goals. EVOO is kind of my love language in the kitchen.. I drizzle it on basically everything.
I’ve definitely wondered the same thing though… like, is this little tablespoon of joy a “luxury” in my day or is it something I should be stricter about?
For me, I try to zoom out: If I’m eating mostly whole foods and EVOO is the thing adding flavor, healthy fats, and satisfaction .. then it’s totally worth the calories. I’d rather have one rich, balanced salad with olive oil than a fat-free one that leaves me raiding the cupboard an hour later, y’know?
Anyway, you’re not alone in this. I think about it too, but I keep coming back to: food that makes you feel good matters just as much as numbers.