Knowing how to cook healthfully will keep you on track in watching your weight. Here are some "tricks of the trade" to get you started in the kitchen:
Smart substitutions. You don't need to give up your favorite meals when you want to drop a few pounds. Keep this substitution list handy in your kitchen for ideas on how you can make your favorite recipes lower in fat and calories.
Cooking methods. Some cooking methods are more healthful than others. Steaming, grilling, roasting, and broiling with olive oil or white wine are examples. Also, cooking with Swanson® broth is a low-fat way to add terrific flavor. For delicious cooking ideas using broth,
check out www.swansonbroth.com.
Special occasions. Don't give up your favorite holiday foods. Rather, enjoy them in moderation. Plan your day so you can enjoy the special meal, and remember portion control. For example, if you're attending a wedding and want to enjoy the dessert table, be sure to keep meals smaller throughout the rest of the day.
Adding flavor without adding extra calories
from fat. Spices, herbs, and low-fat condiments can be a terrific way to add delicious flavor. Condiments like Pace® salsa not only add flavor, but also a little "kick." Try Pace salsa on a baked potato, turkey sandwich or wrap, mixed into your favorite low-fat salad dressing, or simply as a dip with baked tortilla chips. Or try any of these seasonings to add some flavor to your favorite dishes.
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet may sound difficult, but here are a few easy ways to make them a part of your cooking routine:
Keep frozen vegetables on hand. They're easy to prepare separately or to add to other foods, like pasta dishes, soups, or omelets.
Spoon Prego® Italian sauce over your favorite pasta.
Include more vegetables on a sandwich instead of extra meat or cheese. Try slices of cucumber, red pepper, or spinach on sandwiches to sneak in extra veggies.
Add raspberries, slices of peaches, and strawberries to cereal and yogurt.
Freeze grapes or sliced melon for a cool treat.
Add slices or cubes of fresh fruit to salads. Try tossing fresh spinach, sliced pear, a few walnuts, and a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Grill fruit on skewers for a unique and yummy dessert. Add a couple of tablespoons of whipped topping.
Have fruit fondue for dessert. Dip chunks of fresh fruit into a small dish (about ¼ cup) of chocolate syrup.
Have a delicious, steaming bowl of Campbell's® Vegetable soup. Warm and satisfying, it's a great way to add vegetables to your diet. Many Campbell's soup varieties have a full serving of vegetables in every bowl.