1. Use avocado instead of mayo
Did you know that a tablespoon of your favorite mayo can contain around 100 calories and 9 grams of fat?If you are going to make an egg salad, a tuna salad or a chicken salad, try adding avocados to your salad instead of mayonnaise. Although avocados still contain fat, they are much healthier than mayonnaise. If you don’t have avocados, you can add Greek yogurt to your salad. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, which helps promote fullness.
2. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oils
If you use vegetable oils such as canola oil, corn oil, and soybean oil, you will never make your meals healthier. These oils are highly refined and they can damage your health, especially when heated. Opt for olive oil as a cooking oil instead. You can also use a coconut oil. Both olive and coconut oils do better with medium to high heats and they’re much healthier.3. Use spices instead of salt
We often add a sprinkle of salt or a pat of butter to our meals to make them taste better without realizing that we add unnecessary fat and sodium to our meals. One of the best ways to make your food healthier is to use different spices instead of salt. You can flavor your meals with dried and fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, dill, garlic, basil etc. You can also use dulse to add essential iodine and natural sodium to your diet.4. Add less sugar
There are many reasons to give up sugar, but if you can’t do it, at least try to consume less sugar. Sugar is the key factor to most health problems. It can contribute to diabetes and osteoporosis, weaken your immune system, cause kidney damage, upset your body’s mineral balance, speed up the aging process, and many more. I think it’s a crucial reason to give up sugar. Try using stevia instead of sugar to make your drinks and meals healthier.5. Add more vegetables to your stews, casseroles and soups
Veggies are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and they are good for your overall health. Try adding more veggies to your dishes, even to those that don’t include veggies. After all, it’s not difficult to add some frozen broccoli to your rice casserole or sneaking some peppers and mushrooms into your lasagna. A little extra vegetables never hurt anyone.6. Use water instead of broth
Many store bought broths as well as stocks contain plenty of salt and other terrible ingredients including MSG. You can braise foods in organic, low sodium broths to make your meals healthier. But I highly recommend you to use water instead of broth. If you have time, you can even make your own homemade stock with leftover bones.7. Use whole grains instead of refined grains
When you make bread, pasta, or rice dishes, consider using whole grains instead of refined grains to make your meals healthier. For instance, use whole grain brown rice instead of refined white rice or eat whole-wheat bread instead of white bread. Studies show that consuming whole grains instead of refined grains reduces the risk of numerous chronic diseases.8. Use low-fat cheese
If you often use cheese in your recipes, try using low-fat cheese to reduce the saturated fat intake. When you order pizza or make your own pizza at home, skip the extra cheese or add a little of it to your pizza. It’s better to add more vegetables than cheese. Although cheese is high in calcium, studies show excessive dairy consumption can increase your risk of osteoporosis.Make your casseroles, soups, and pasta dishes healthier by switching up several ingredients and cooking methods, and you will feel better and look better as well. What are your tips for making any meal healthier?
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