How to Cook Healthier at Home
When you cook meals at home, you’re in control of what you and your family eat. You don’t have to be an experienced cook to prepare something everyone will love. Anyone can learn to cook healthy food. Here are some easy ways to get started:
10 tips to get cooking
- Find inspiration. Look for healthy recipes in a cookbook or on blogs or cooking shows that appeal to you and your family’s tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new recipes that will “wow” your family
. - Plan your proteins. Choose lean meats and plant-based proteins, such as skinless chicken, fish, beans, legumes, and lean beef and lean pork, rather than proteins that are higher in saturated fats, such as fatty cuts of beef, steak and pork.
- Add color. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal. Sneak ‘em in in if you have to. And remember: They all count! Fresh, frozen, canned and dried are all good choices. Just watch out for excess sodium and added sugars.
- Make small changes. Take baby steps over time to replace less healthy ingredients with healthier substitutions in your families favorite dishes.
- Ditch the salt. Learn how to reduce sodium in your diet and flavor your food with herbs, spices, citrus and salt-free seasonings.
- Eat more greens. A colorful hearty salad can stand on its own as a main entree. Or, you can prepare a simple two-ingredient salad with lettuce and tomato for a healthy side dish.
- Upgrade your fats. Use non-tropical vegetable oils instead of butter, lard and tropical oils.
- Keep healthy staples stocked. Give your pantry a makeover. Stock up on whole grains, nuts, seeds and canned fish, beans, fruits and vegetables. If your kitchen is well stocked with wholesome staple ingredients, it will be easier to make healthy meals.
- Enhance your cooking. Learn healthy cooking methods and techniques by taking a cooking class with friends. Brush up your skills with our how-to videos and articles.
- Relax! Have fun in the kitchen. Be creative. Build up your confidence by trying new recipes and food combinations.
By cooking at home, you can save money and make healthier food choices that will benefit you and your family’s health. Now, go get cooking!
