Healthy cooking
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Whole grains for a healthy heart
Whole grains are naturally high in fiber, helping you feel full, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Whole grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. To add more fiber to your diet, try these simple tips: 1. Start your day with whole-grain cereal, such as whole-wheat bran flakes, shredded wheat or oatmeal. 2. Make sandwiches with bread or rolls made from 100 percent whole grain. 3. Opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
What's your high blood pressure risk?
High blood pressure has many risk factors. Some you can't control, such as age, race and family history. But don't throw up your hands quite yet. Some risk factors are within your control, such as excess weight, inactivity, alcohol misuse and stress. Make healthy lifestyle changes a priority: 1. Lose excess weight. 2. Include physical activity in your daily routine. 3. If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. 4. Learn healthy ways to handle stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. 5. Avoid excess salt in your diet.
What are legumes, anyway?
Legumes are low in fat and high in fiber. Common legumes include beans, peas and lentils. Here are some tips for adding these nutritional powerhouses to your diet: 1. Add beans, peas or lentils to soups, stews, and casseroles. 2. Use pureed beans as the basis for dips and spreads. 3. Add chickpeas or black beans to salads. 4. Snack on a handful of soy nuts rather than on chips or crackers.
Veggie how to: Grilled vegetable kebabs
Want a new way to enjoy fresh vegetables? Make grilled vegetable kebabs. Brush cherry tomatoes, button mushrooms, zucchini slices, red onions and bell peppers with Italian dressing. Place onto skewers and grill over medium heat, turning often, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Simple ways to cook healthier
Capture the flavor and retain the nutrients in foods without adding excessive amounts of fat or salt with these tips: 1. Use herbs and spices instead of salt. 2. When steaming food, use a flavorful liquid or add seasonings to the water to enhance the flavor. 3. Stir-fry a meal, since you need only a small amount of oil or cooking spray for this cooking method.
Mold on your cheddar? Don't despair
If you spot mold on a wedge of hard cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, you may be able to salvage the cheese. Cut away the moldy part and at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) of the surrounding cheese, keeping the knife out of the mold. Moldy shredded or crumbled cheese can't be saved, however, and should be discarded.
Lower your risk of breast cancer
Research shows that lifestyle changes can lower your risk of breast cancer, even if you're at high risk. To lower your risk: 1. Limit alcohol. Even small amounts increase your risk. 2. Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. 3. Be physically active. 4. Maintain a healthy weight.
Healthy cooking make-over
Just by using healthy-cooking techniques you can cut fat and calories. Try these easy tips: 1. Use nonstick cookware to brown food without adding fat. 2. Use healthier cooking methods, such as baking, broiling, steaming, poaching and roasting. 3. Use flavor enhancers, such as herbs, spices or flavored vinegars, instead of relying on salt and fat.
Get a fiber boost
Brown rice contains more fiber and natural minerals and vitamin E than white rice does. Try it in this tasty main dish. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup brown rice and saute until grains turn golden brown. Slowly add 3 cups water, 1 teaspoon low-sodium chicken-flavored bouillon, 1 small onion chopped, 1/2 pound mushrooms sliced and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add water as needed to keep from drying out. Cut 1/2 pound asparagus tips into 1-inch pieces. Stir into rice, cover and cook 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons finely grated Swiss cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
Flip your burger
Instead of grilling a hamburger, try grilling a hearty portobello mushroom. Marinate a large portobello mushroom in Italian dressing for 15 minutes. Grill over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes on each side. Serve on a whole-grain bun with healthy condiments.
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