Healthy Living

Lean cuts of meat and skinless chicken are preferred. Baking, braising and grilling are also effective and healthy cooking methods. Use of oil or butter is minimized by using non-stick cookware. Fresh vegetables and fruits are beneficial in providing many essential nutrients, with minimal or nil cooking.

Add salt in the final stages of cooking and fishes, with the exception of high fat fishes are included in the diet, owing to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids. Avoid or minimize frying techniques, as a cooking procedure. Recipes calling for oil can be met with, by cooking sprays or brushing the cookware with oil. Use broth, vegetable stock, water or vinegar for cooking, as it retains the water soluble nutrients and thus prevents wastage. Low fat milk or skimmed yoghurt is preferred in recipes requiring cream.

Creamy sauces or dips can be substituted by chutneys, salsa and vinegar. Oil absorption by vegetables, can be decreased by browning them and adding oil at a later stage. Microwave, followed by grilling helps vegetables by providing a browning effect. Scrubbing vegetables is a better option, rather than peeling them, as the nutrients, hidden, right under the skin is saved. Avoid over cooking or over boiling of vegetables, to retain nutrients. Use half the salt while cooking.