Cooking/Baking Tips

One of the benefits of cooking your own food is knowing exactly what you're putting in it.  Still lots of recipes call for things that can be exchanged with healthier options to cut out excess fat and calories. And the best part is it can still taste good!

Here are a few of my personal favorites that I use all the time in the kitchen:

• Instead of using butter for grilling (or even a more healthy option olive oil) just use cooking spray.  zero calories is better than 150-300 extra calories that often aren't remembered.  
  
• If you have to use butter use Smart Balance or I can't believe it's not butter butter spray.  For oils best options are olive or canola.
  
• Substitute whole wheat flour for white flour.  I personally like the taste with all wheat flour, but if it's too strong for you do half white flour/half wheat flour.  Adds fiber to the recipe and isn't as noticeable.
  
• Swap out butter in baked goods with applesauce, mashed bananas, or low fat yogurt.
  
• Add vegetables to everything. 
  
• Don't add salt and if you do a little goes a long way.  In cooking I don't use it at all.  Average american has high blood pressure and we naturally get enough sodium from our daily foods.  Adding extra salt just isn't necessary.
  
• Use Splenda instead of sugar.  Zero calories yet again!
  
• Don't forget your spices.  They add tons of flavor to all sorts of recipes.  Cinnamon is my personal favorite because it helps with digestion and circulation. 
  
• If given an option always go for the low fat or zero fat option.  Ex: Sour cream, cheese, sauces, dressings, etc.
  
• Oatmeal is great for baking.  Adds fiber in a second.  I try add it into cookies and muffins even if it's not called for. 
  
• Need a chocolate fix?  Cocoa powder has quite the punch and dark chocolate and semi-sweet goes a long way.  Try and use these when baking.
  

Hopefully some of these will help you in the kitchen.  If you have a few of your own please comment and let the viewers know them as well :)