Eating healthy is not about staying unrealistically thin, strict dietary limitations, or depriving yourself of the foods you love.
Rather, it’s about having more energy, stabilizing your mood, and feeling great. With these several simple tips, you will have a delicious, healthy meal which tastes good.
1. Plan your menus each week
By doing this you will have the easy and quick meals when you’re watching a game or having an unexpected visit and you will also have your favorite food served more often and you will be able to try new recipes, as well.
2. Make a list when you go at grocery store
A grocery list will ensure that you have bought everything you need to prepare healthy and tasty meals as you planned. This will also help you not to buy things you actually don’t need, such as sweets, chips or the extra bottle of mayonnaise. By making a list you will avoid impulse buys, save money and ensure that you have everything you need on hand.
3. Choose seasonal vegetables and fruits and pick the brightest colors
Seasonal vegetables and fruits will let you enjoy a great flavor at the lowest price. Buy apples in the fall, peaches in the late summer, and asparagus in the spring. However, if the price of fresh vegetables and fruits is high, then frozen vegetables and fruits are often a better, more economical choice. Canned vegetables and fruits are also an option, but you should be aware of a higher salt content and the sugary syrups.
4. Use cooking methods which don’t add additional fat to your dish
Grilled or broiled meats develop a rich golden color which adds taste and visual appeal and they are low in fat. Steamed vegetables are very flavourful when you add herbs to the streaming liquid. Another low-fat cooking method is baking, especially in a pan with a rack. Also, you can prepare food quickly and without added fat by using the microwave. Another low-calorie cooking method is barbecuing.
5. Eliminate or reduce high-fat ingredients
You can sauté without added fat if you use a non-stick pan. Adding bulgur, brown rice, or tofu to casseroles means that you’ll cut down on the amount of meat which you’re using. Chilling a stew or a soup will raise the fat to the top and it will be easier to remove.
6. Use spices and herbs for the flavor
Rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley are classic herbs which you’ll savor. Cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon will add a new, refreshing taste to traditional dishes. Many recipes on the internet will introduce new tastes and many cookbooks advice on using herbs and spices.
7. Go vegetarian for a day
There are a lot of countries and cultures which feature a wide specter of meatless dishes. Try vegetarian chili or tofu in a stir-fry. Also, try marinated bean salads or Indian style dahl (lentils). Use kidney beans and lentils in your favorite soups.
8. Keep control of your portions
A well-balanced plate consists of a quarter of starch (eg. couscous, pasta, rice), a quarter of protein (eg. fish or chicken), and a half of vegetables. Add fresh fruit for dessert and milk to drink and you’ll have a nourishing meal at a moderate calorie expense.