Cooking healthy can be difficult, particularly when you’re living a busy, fast-paced life.
And, when you decide to make a commitment to healthy eating, not knowing where to start can seem tempting to give up.
Luckily, we’re here to help you out. We’ve got what you need to know about the best ingredients and recipes for healthy cooking.
Choosing Healthy Ingredients
First, you’ll need to know what ingredients you should look for and try to incorporate into your diet. Recipes with these ingredients are more likely to be better for your health.
Obviously, most fruits and vegetables are good choices for most recipes. But you don’t have to stick with plain old peas and carrots.
Try out some different options such as these:
- Rainbow chard, arugula, broccoli rabe, dandelion greens, and other leafy greens
- Persimmons
- Jicama
- Bamboo shoots
- Taro root, celery roots, and yuca root
- Acai berries, goji berries, and other unusual berries
- Guava
- Jackfruit
When you’re shopping, look for organic and non-GMO products when possible. Check the labels, and look for foods that contain fewer preservatives. When you buy sauces and condiments, look for reduced-sodium or lower fat options to cut down on the calories wherever you can.
If you get overwhelmed, look for recipes you’re willing to try before you start shopping. That way, you’ll have a solid starting point to work from.
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Healthy Cooking Recipes
Next, you need to figure out what recipes work best with your new healthy ingredients. Finding healthy meals to cook can be tricky!
A lot of the time, recipes with fewer ingredients end up being better for you, so don’t be afraid to keep it simple with your cooking. Just because a recipe is short on ingredients doesn’t mean it’s short on taste.
There are lots of appetizers and full meal options that are delicious, good for you, and use five ingredients or less.
You can also adapt your old standbys with new, healthy ingredients. For example, switch out your same old pasta with zucchini noodles in your next bowl of spaghetti.
You can also adapt your meals by switching your technique. Instead of frying your fish, try grilling it or baking it instead. Leave off the bread crumbs and stick with a dijon or lemon rub instead.
Or, for easy to cook healthy meals, try a meal that you don’t need to cook at all. Make a delicious salad with fresh-cut greens and a light sauce, perfect for the hot summer months.
Consider outdoor kitchens for your cooking needs, to get fresh air while you work on your health.
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Start Your Healthy Cooking Journey Today
You should now be ready for healthy cooking on a daily basis. You’ll look and feel better in no time at all once you start with these healthy home cooked meals.
Interested in more health and lifestyle advice? Need more recipe tips? Read the rest of this site for so much more.
