Tip of the Day
Look at Old Recipes with Fresh Eyes
Do you love Grandma's cooking, but worry about the healthfulness of her famous dishes? Most recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation can be made healthier without losing the great taste and tradition you love. Try making a few adjustments to family recipes that will honor the tradition and your health.
The first strategy is to read through the recipe and find areas of improvement.
- Use seasonings such as herbs and spices instead of salt, oil or butter.
- For sautéing on the stove, try using wine, mild-flavored juice or low-sodium broth instead of oil and butter.
- Poaching skinless chicken, fish or lean meats in water, low-sodium broth or herbs and spices is a low-fat way to cook instead of frying.
- Select lean cuts of beef and pork – especially cuts with "loin" or "round" in their name – and remove all visible fat from meat before cooking.
- Replace higher-fat cheeses with lower-fat options such as reduced-fat feta and part-skim mozzarella.
- Thicken sauces with evaporated non-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Replace meat with plant foods as sources of protein, including soybeans, pinto beans, lentils or nuts.
- Make salad dressings with olive or canola oil.
Remember, the traditions you start with your family today are the ones you'll pass on to future generations. So make sure they're healthy!
For more information on how to lead a healthier lifestyle, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit our Heart-Healthy Cooking Tips page.
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