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Ten Healthy Cooking Tips

To many people’s surprise, eating healthy absolutely does not mean you have to give up all the foods you have come to love over the years. By following these simple tips outlined below, you will still be able to indulge in your favorite meals and sleep easier knowing you are taking good care of your body, health and overall wellbeing. The great part is that nothing drastic is required—you can lead a healthier lifestyle without doing a complete overhaul on the way you eat. Plus, you can avoid dieting altogether—now that has got to be music to your ears! Through healthy choices and portion control you can completely revamp the way you view food.

1. Avoid prepared seasonings and food: These tend to be high in salt which can lead to high blood pressure. Use herbs and spices to add flavor to a meal instead.

2. Buy fresh vegetables: Although it can be tempting to just open a can of corn or green beans just say no and buy fresh. Canned vegetables are very high in sodium which equals expanding waistlines and high blood pressure.

3. Use vegetable spray instead of cooking oil on pans and grills. Also avoid using stick butter to grease up cookie sheets or frying pans.

4. Use whole grain products instead of all-purpose flour when you are baking or cooking.

5. Use lots of spices: Add spices to your meals instead of overdoing it on butter or cream.

6. Substitute low-fat when you can. Ask for light mayo instead of regular at your local deli or grab low-fat cottage cheese instead of regular at the grocery store. There isn’t much difference in the taste and you are cutting hundreds of calories over time.

7. Cook lots of meat at once so you have left-over for meals throughout the week. People who cook their own meals tend to eat healthier then people who eat out for one or two meals a day.

8. Stay colorful! Avoid white foods and add fruits and vegetables to every meal. The more colorful the plate is the more enticing in is to your taste buds as well.

9. Steam instead of boil your vegetables. Also avoid cooking at super-high temperatures.

10. Be creative: People who only cook a few things tend to get bored and go out to eat more. Buy a low-fat cookbook and experiment with different recipes. You might just discover a talent you didn’t even know you had!

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