| We all know we should be eating healthier. But it's not | | | | vegetables in a little chicken broth (or vegetable broth) |
| just changing our eating habits in restaurants that | | | | instead of oil. Then sprinkle on herbs. Even just a |
| needs to be done. We can also change how we cook | | | | sprinkling of chopped chives can add a zesty new |
| our food at home. Healthy cooking at home doesn't | | | | taste to your vegetables. Another great option is |
| need to be bland or boring! In fact, you may find some | | | | roasting vegetables. This works wonderfully with root |
| of these tips will add more flavor to your dishes! | | | | vegetables or other very firm ones such as cauliflower |
| The first thing to do is choose leaner cuts of meat. | | | | and squashes. Simply cut the vegetables into large |
| The obvious choices for low fat cooking are chicken | | | | chunks, spray with cooking spray and toss on |
| and fish, but other meats can be lower in fat as well. | | | | seasoning. Curry powders, cajun blends or Italian |
| When shopping for red meat, the words 'sirloin' and | | | | seasonings are great. Roast in a 450 degree oven until |
| 'round' are cuts which are naturally lower in fat. Check | | | | the vegetables are tender. You can also place the |
| the meat and choose the one with the least amount | | | | vegetable pieces on a skewer and roast on your grill! |
| of marbling and trim off any excess fat before | | | | You don't have to give up dessert when eating |
| cooking. Look for ground beef that is 95% lean. Pork is | | | | healthily, either! Fruit makes a wonderful dessert, or |
| also another great lean meat. | | | | even a side dish with your regular meal. Try a bowl of |
| The problem most people have with lean meats is that | | | | mixed berries topped with a low fat or fat free vanilla |
| they will dry out easily when cooking. To avoid this, try | | | | yogurt. Or sauté bananas in a non-stick skillet |
| a marinade. Marinades aren't just for flavor (although | | | | sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle on cinnamon and |
| that is a great benefit!). Using acidic liquids will actually | | | | a touch of vanilla extract. Serve with frozen yogurt. |
| help break down the tougher connective tissue in the | | | | Even kids will think they are getting an indulgent treat! |
| meat. Try one of the many low fat marinades | | | | Have a favorite recipe that isn't so healthy? You can |
| available in your grocery store, or make up your own | | | | try modifying it. Remove any skin from meats, use half |
| with ingredients such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, | | | | the amount of oil asked for in cooking. For baked |
| herbs and spices. Depending on the size of the meat | | | | goods, substitute applesauce for oil - your cakes will |
| portion, you can marinade from 20 minutes to several | | | | still be moist and flavorful! In recipes asking for cream, |
| hours. A great marinade for chicken is yogurt. Mix fat | | | | try using evaporated skim milk. With these substitutions, |
| free yogurt with some lemon juice, salt, pepper and | | | | many times you won't even notice the difference. |
| any other spices you like and coat your chicken | | | | Healthy living is important and it is easy. Just a few |
| breasts. Yogurt marinades are best after 8 hours or | | | | quick changes and your home cooking will be better |
| overnight. | | | | and healthier for your family! |
| Tired of bland vegetables? Try sautéing your | | | | |