20 cooking tips to make eating healthy easier

Get out your measuring cups to avoid overusing certain ingredients, particularly sweeteners. It’s easy to add too much to a recipe, and keeping additives to the amount called for will keep the dish from becoming unhealthy. 

One of the easiest ways to make eating healthy a little easier is by swapping ingredients for options that have more nutritional value. Think refined grains for whole grains, sour cream for Greek yogurt, and so on. A tiny switch won’t affect the flavor much but will positively impact what’s going into your body. 

We all have times when we’re feeling too lazy to cook and opt for fast food or another unhealthy alternative. Though it’s okay to indulge periodically, make laziness work for you by meal prepping. Batch a few healthy meals at once so you’re prepared to eat healthy when you don’t want to cook. 

Cooking in butter and margarine is tasty, but it’s not the healthiest choice. If it’s not going to affect the flavor too much, cook your food in oils rather than fats. You might have to adjust cooking times and temperatures, but it’s a quick fix for a healthier result. 

For an even healthier choice, cook in liquids — water, stock, wine, etc. —  instead of oils. This will reduce fat content even further. Again, be aware that you may have to adjust cooking times and temperatures. 

Yes, using non-stick cookware can make for a healthier meal. Part of the reason we use fats and oils in cooking is to keep food from sticking to the pan. If you don’t have to worry about food sticking, you can use less oil and fat when cooking. 

Boiling cooks your vegetables, but it also strips them of some of their nutrients. To keep vegetables as healthy as possible, steam them. They’ll taste just the same and be better for your body. 

If you don’t like to eat fruits and vegetables because you find they taste bland, it’s a sign that you’re not using the proper seasonings. Look for premade seasoning blends or experiment with blending on your own, finding combinations that fit your palate to make eating healthy taste better. 

Salt is many people’s go-to seasoning when something doesn’t have enough taste, and for many people, it’s a reflex to add salt before eating. Stop that habit and only salt if you know you need it. This will keep your sodium intake down. 

The more processed a food is, the more unhealthy it is. Use as basic foods as you can find to ensure you’re getting the most nutritional value possible. Skip the pre-made options. 

If possible, use local produce in your dishes. Local produce hasn’t been touched by preservatives, making it better for your body. It’s not always an option, but when it is, it’s a great one. 

Frozen produce is another good option when fresh produce isn’t available. In most cases, produce is frozen at its peak. The thawing process might affect taste or texture, but it won’t affect nutritional value. 

If you have a blender, you can incorporate vegetables into your sauces so well that you won’t even notice they’re in there. For loads of added nutrients, you can add leafy greens, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and more to your pasta and meat sauces. 

Red meat isn’t inherently unhealthy, but too much of it is linked to heart problems. It’s not necessary to remove it completely from your diet (unless directed by your doctor), but it is good to go a meal or two a week without it. You can opt for leaner meat options instead or meatless protein, like beans or eggs. 

The peels are where most nutrients are held in many fruits and vegetables, so don’t get rid of them. Scrub your produce well so you don’t have dirt and bugs in your food, but don’t peel them. It’ll be healthier for you and save you a time-consuming step. 

It’s easier to cook healthy foods when you have healthy ingredients on hand. Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy options that are easy to cook in a pinch. Beans, lentils, whole grain rice, and other similar foods are great bases for quick dishes. 

Protein is an important part of a balanced diet, but some protein comes with unneeded fat. Opt for lean options like poultry and fish, and when using meats that tend to be fattier, like beef, look for low-fat packages. 

For most people, eating healthy requires thought. Plan your meals ahead of time so you know you’re covering all necessary food groups, and plan your portion sizes so you get enough fruits and vegetables and don’t go overboard with unhealthy fats and oils. 

Deep-fried foods made at home are typically healthier than deep-fried foods bought at a fast food restaurant, but they still aren’t great for you. Skip the deep frying and get crispy foods using an air fryer or double baking. 

Simply cooking at home is already a healthy (and less expensive) choice. If you don’t want to follow any tips to make your homemade food healthier, just smile, knowing you’re already making a good choice by cooking for yourself.