Posted: Feb. 18, 2010

There’s no need to throw away your favorite recipes just because you’ve decided to live a healthier lifestyle. Often times you can substitute or reduce the amount of certain ingredients to make your meal healthier.

Does your recipe call for bacon?
Bacon offers a rich smoky flavour people love but it’s high in fat and normally soaked in grease. Try using Canadian bacon, chicken bacon, turkey bacon or lean prosciutto for that same smoky flavor. They’re a leaner alternative to bacon and will offer you a similar flavour. They might even improve your dish. If no substitution will simply do we recommend going directly to a butcher shop where you can see the meat and ask for leaner cuts. Remember to trim of some of that fat before cooking and to sponge off as much of the grease as possible.

Seasoning salts and mixed spices.
Seasoning’s and spices are loaded with extra unwanted salt. If you need a specific seasoning look for a reduced salt or low fat version. Otherwise we recommend fresh spices and herbs whenever possible. At least you know what goes into the mix then and can control the amount of salt. It’s a little more work to make your own taco seasoning than buying a pre-mixed packet but at least you know you won’t collapse from salt overload.

Try a new kind of rice
While white rice really isn’t bad for you there are much healthier alternatives with more nutrients and complex carbohydrates for your body. Try substituting a the white rice in your recipe for brown rice, wild rice, bulgur or pearl barley it might be a welcome change that spices things up a little.

Ground beef
Ground beef comes in a variety of mixes. If you need to use it we obviously recommend getting extra lean ground beef but your best bet is either using or mixing in ground turkey or chicken. It offers a slightly different flavor that might just compliment your dish a little better.

Manufactures and suppliers are always coming out with new products all the time. Be aware and observant when your at your favorite grocery store and look for healthier substitutions to your favorite products. Many products now have a lower fat equivalent.

These are just a few simple examples of how you can cook healthier. Half the fun of cooking is experimentation. Recipes your favorite dishes change and evolve over time just like anything else. So don’t be afraid to size up your next meal before you start cooking and ask yourself “How can I make this a little healthier”.

Remember the biggest key to a successful change in your diet is moderation! It’s ok to spoil yourself sometimes and have that chocolate cake, just not everyday and not the whole cake!