Cooking at home is one of the best ways to control your calorie, fat, sugar and salt intake. This is because you can use only ingredients that align with your health goals. Not sure where to start? Learning to prepare delicious and healthy meals at home isn't easy, but with time and practice, you'll get it right. Here are some tips that will get you started off just right. Good luck!
Source: Caveman Cuisine: Cool Roast Beef
Skipping bread can save you hundreds of calories. Lettuce wraps your favorite sandwich fixings in a crunchy outer layer that is low in calories and super satisfying.
Source: Sweet Potato, Chickpea & Chorizo
Slice and dice your fruits and veggies and it will be easy to reach for them when you get hungry.
Source: Grilled, fried or baked chicken
Stop frying chicken, fish and potatoes and try baking them instead. You don't have to sacrifice flavor or give up your favorites, but you can save a load of calories.
Source: Mini Chocolate Bar Mug Brownie
Love brownies and cookies? Don't we all. Try cookie mug versions so that you eat only one portion instead of an the entire batch.
Source: Healthy Fats, Healthy Hearts: A
Healthy foods like avocados and nuts are great choices, but take it easy on portion size since they are higher in calories than other options.
Source: Whole Grains Could Prolong Our
Whole grains are higher in nutrients and they are more satisfying. Buy whole grain bread, pasta, crackers and cereal.
Adding spices to your foods gives them tons of flavor without adding a bunch of fat or calories.
Source: 3 Reasons to Avoid Canned
Too much salt can lead to bloating. If you rinse your canned beans and veggies, you get rid of a good portion of that sodium.
If you're making soup, salad or a casserole that calls for veggies, double the amount called for to make the meal more satisfying without adding a bunch of calories.
Source: The Full-Fridge Fantasy Moms In
Pile the healthy stuff at the front of your fridge and you're more likely to grab it when you get hungry.
Source: Open-Faced Sandwiches: Because One Slice
If you can't give up the bread, have an open faced sandwich to save some calories.
Source: Nutrition
Leaner cuts of meat save you fat and calories. Sirloin, chicken breasts and white fish make great choices.
Source: Homemade Greek Yogurt and Cucumber
If you replace fatty ingredients like butter or sour cream with Greek yogurt, you can save fat grams and calories.
Source: Healthy big salad recipe
Whip up a huge salad at the beginning of the week and then serve it with every meal.
Source: Amazon.com: Measuring Tools & Scales
If you want to get a better handle on how much you eat, use measuring tools to be sure you aren't overdoing it.
Source: EPC Tips - Diet &
The easiest way to ensure that you get enough fruits and veggies is to have them at every single meal.
Source: WINTER INSPIRATION: CITRUS
Instead of topping veggies or fish with butter, use a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange juice. This adds flavor without any fat or calories.
Source: White Foods Vs Brown Foods
If you're not a huge quinoa or bulgur fan, try mixing them with rice to make them taste better.
Source: 18 Benefits You Never Knew
Some people don't feel well if they eat too much cow's milk dairy. Try alternatives, like almond or soy milk if this is the case for you.
Source: Crockpot Applesauce What Megan's Making
Skip the oil when you bake muffins or bread and use applesauce instead. It adds moisture without sacrificing the flavor.
"Noodles" made from squash, sweet potatoes or carrots saves you hundreds of calories and still satisfies a craving for pasta.
Which of these tips are you going to try tonight? What other ideas can you add?