KickStart Fitness

Some cookbooks have gotten more fattening and unhealthy over time.  The same basic recipes for meatloaf or chocolate cake may contain more calories than they did 20 years ago when comparing new and old editions of many cookbooks like Betty Crocker or the Joy of Cooking.  In addition to watching portion sizes, try these tips.

Easy fixes to make any recipes healthier. 

 BAKING

-         substitute all or half the all purpose flour for whole wheat

-         use ¼ less or half the sugar the recipe calls for

-         use canola oil instead of vegetable oil

-         use low or non-fat milk

-         add nuts

 -         Substitute half the vegetable oil for flaxseed oil

-         if the recipe calls for 2 or more eggs, leave out a yolk

-         if you are making a dish with 6 or more eggs leave out 3 yolks

-         add a little wheat germ, or flaxseed meal (1-2 Tbsp)

COOKING

-         increase the veggies by 1.5 to twice the amount (if ratatouille calls for 1 small zucchini, use one large zucchini or 2 small ones)

-         don’t salt boiling water (for pasta or potatoes, etc.)

-         if salt is optional, don’t add it

-         clean but don’t peel veggies

-         use more seasonings and less salt in recipes

-         never put salt on top of prepared food

-         buy the leanest cuts of meat

-         use olive oil instead of butter

I have used all of these tricks, and you can’t taste the difference.  If you feel you can taste the difference, the recipe may be bland and depend on salt, fat or sugar for taste.  If you have healthy cooking tricks, I want to hear em!