You may be looking for gravy substitute ideas because the traditional gravy is full of fat, sodium and calories, of course. However, when you cook beef, chicken, even vegetables, the one thing that you look for when everything else is ready is the gravy to slather over your dish. So, in nutshell, you cannot do without the gravy. So what to do? Why don't you try the following substitute ideas at home:

1) Seasoned Yogurt

Nothing works better than seasoned yogurt when you are looking for gravy substitute ideas. Yogurt is rich in calcium and protein while being low on sodium and fats. You can even opt for low-fat yogurt, which will give you all the nutrients of regular yogurt but with less fat and fewer calories.

2) Cream of Chicken

Another wonderful alternative to gravy, this soup is similar in flavor to gravy but is healthier for you. If you want to make it a healthier option instead of gravy, go for a cream of chicken soup that is low in sodium.

3) Fat-free White Gravy

Another option to the traditional gravy could be this, where you can thicken your sauce with cornstarch, instead of butter or fat. You may even use the special gravy flour, which thickens the gravy quickly.

4) Oil

Vegetable oils, in place of the heavier butter or clarified butter, may be used as a healthier option to substitute gravy. Using oils low in saturated fats while high in omega-3 fatty acids is a good option to include oil in place of gravy.

5) Margarine

If you use margarine, especially one that is trans-fat free, instead of the butter to make your gravy, you will have a healthier substitute at hand. Margarine is made from vegetable oils but is butter-like in taste. As a result, there will not be much difference in the end product, i.e., the gravy.

These options for gravy substitute ideas should see you through most of your dinners and lunches. And one good news for the meat lovers. Now that you have nipped the gravy problem in the bud, it is time to get more healthy in your choices by opting for these tips to make your meat healthier, so that you do not have to look for other options.

Image Courtesy: ifood.tv