Healthy cooking
Learning Center
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.
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.
An easy way to add omega-3
Want to add omega-3 to your diet but don't like fish? Try crab instead. Crab meat also has omega-3 fatty acids. Combine canned crab with citrus vinaigrette and serve over salad. Keep salt and calories low by making your own dressing. It's as easy as whisking together 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice, 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar and your favorite herbs.
A healthier take on a breakfast favorite
This healthier version of French toast makes enough for two. In a small bowl, whisk 4 egg whites with 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Dip 4 slices of cinnamon bread into the mixture, coating both sides. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Using a nonstick frying pan, cook over medium heat until both sides are golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup.
A spoonful of sugar helps the veggies go down
Looking for a new way to prepare veggies? Try glazing. Pour 1 1/2 cups water into a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup each of chopped onion, carrot, turnip and potato, all cut into 1-inch pieces. Simmer uncovered until veggies are tender and the water is almost absorbed, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Turn heat up and continue to cook, shaking pan until veggies are glazed and slightly golden. Serve.
Is healthy aging in your genes?
Sure, your genes affect your health. But your lifestyle, your environment and even chance may matter even more. What you eat, how much you exercise, how you manage stress, how much sleep you get and whether you smoke all play a role in whether you develop a heart condition. Stack the cards in your favor with healthy lifestyle choices.
Does zinc work for colds?
The jury is still out on that question because many zinc studies, both those that find it beneficial and those that don't, are flawed. In studies with positive results, zinc lozenges or syrup appeared to shorten a cold by one day and seemed most effective when taken within 24 hours of the start of symptoms. Taking zinc lozenges with food may reduce side effects, such as a bad taste and nausea. Steer clear of zinc nasal spray, however, which may permanently damage your sense of smell.
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.
A new way to enjoy fresh fruit
Want a new way to enjoy fresh fruit? Make fruit kebabs. Start by placing wooden skewers in water and soaking for at least 10 minutes. Place cubed fruit, such as cantaloupe, pineapple, mango or honeydew, onto skewers. Place skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil until slightly bubbly, about 2 minutes on each side.
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