It is a myth that dieting demands tasty food sacrifice.
There are so many good food choices and optional cooking methods that can reduce dangerous fats and cut calories.
Learn to replace fattening high calorie ingredients with healthier food products that still deliver great flavor and dieting will be easy.
Get better acquainted with spices and seasonings.
They provide great flavor and can turn a bland low fat recipe into gourmet.
Experiment and find out which seasonings work together for a taste of Italian, Mexican, Indian, and so on.
Here is an American favorite that still has the great taste without the high fat and calories just prepared with better food choices and is oven baked instead of deep fried.
Oven Fried Chicken Pre-heat oven 375 degrees 2 to 21/2 lbs.
meaty skinless chicken pieces, rinsed and patted dry ¼ c.
corn flakes, crumbed 1 T snipped fresh parsley 1/3 c.
plain low fat yogurt 1 clove garlic, minced 2 t.
Worcestershire A dash of ground red pepper flakes (optional) Place chicken in shallow baking dish, set aside In a small bowl combine; yogurt, garlic, Worcestershire, and red pepper flakes Brush yogurt mixture on top chicken In a small bowl combine; corn flake crumbs and fresh parsley Top chicken with crumb mixture Bake uncovered 45-50 min.
(until chicken is tender and no longer pink) ~Try using this recipe substituting other meats.
~ Identify the differences between food products.
For example, some cheeses are healthier than others or which sauces are healthier.
Do this by reading the food product labels.
Hot tip:Making your own sauces allows you to control the amount of sugar, sodium, fat and so on.
Hot tip:If you plan your meals ahead chances are you will be eating healthier.
Cheesy Rice w/ Broccoli (goes well with the fried chicken) In a sauce pan on med high to high heat add; 2 c.
chicken stock 1 c.
brown rice 2 T onions, finely chopped (onion powder to taste may be substituted) 1 clove garlic, minced (garlic powder to taste may be substituted) Fresh ground pepper to taste Bring to a full boil Cover and reduce heat to low for 30 minutes Steam ¼ c fresh broccoli florets on top of the rice (do not stir in), replace the lid for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir the broccoli into rice, move into serving bowl Top with fresh parmesan cheese *Indian Style Cheesy Rice - use curry, saffron, peas, and carrots in place of the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes or try a version of your own.
Learn how to substitute one food product for another.
For instance I use canola or olive oils for cooking in place of butter, margarine, or lard.
If you don't know what to do with the unused broccoli left-over from the cheesy rice recipe make roasted broccoli as a side dish.
It's easy and your kids will love it.
Roasted Broccoli Head of broccoli, cut into florets Drizzle with olive oil Toss with; 1 clove garlic, chopped Fresh ground black pepper A dash of sea salt Place tossed broccoli florets on baking sheet Roast in 375 degree oven turning once, 15-20 minutes *Liven up snappy green beans or fresh asparagus, with 1 c.
beef stock, chopped garlic, and finely chopped onion in a skillet over med heat until liquid reduces and veggies are tender not mushy.
Do not be afraid to experiment with spices, different seasonings, or to go crazy with ingredients and food products you have never tried.
The recipes in this article are proof you do not have to sacrifice flavor or food when dieting.
Cooking healthy is all about choice and having fun.