Healthy Cooking Tips

Healthy cooking is not just about the ingredients you choose, but the way you prepare them as well.
The following healthy cooking tips will maximize the nutritional benefits of foods, and help minimize the potential harm from improper cooking methods.

1. Use a steamer. Steaming can retain nutrients better than other methods, such as boiling.

2. Use marinades. Marinating meats (particularly chicken) may reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which evidence shows may be carcinogenic. Garlic, rosemary, ginger and turmeric are good spices to add to marinades.

3. Use a slow cooker. What you put in - fresh vegetables, lean proteins - is a big part of what makes a healthful meal, but the lower temperatures slow cookers use may help preserve nutrients that can be lost when food is cooked rapidly at high heat.

4. Use herbs, vinegar, tomatoes, onions and/or fat-free or low-fat sauces or salad dressings for better health, especially if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

4. When grilling, pre-cook meats on the stove or in the oven, and finish them off on the grill. Less time on the grill means fewer carcinogens in your meats.

5. Use more fruit desserts (fresh, stewed, and cobblers) instead of cakes and cookies. Choose frozen yogurt, sherbet and sorbet instead of ice cream. Serve cake with fruit sauce instead of frosting or whipped cream.