Healthy Substitutions for Cooking

We’ve got tips to share so you can add a healthier twist to your family favorites.

Focus on Fat
Start by cutting the fat in half; work down from there. Fats are calorie heavy with 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates and protein have just 4 calories per gram.
    * Read labels to find low-fat and fat-free options for favorites like milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, half-and-half, ice cream and whipped topping. To adjust more easily, make a gradual switch from reduced-fat to low-fat and then on to fat-free ingredients.
    * Use part-skim cheeses instead of their higher fat counterparts, or use sharper-flavored cheeses like Parmesan, feta or Gorgonzola since their more pungent flavors allow you to use less.
    * Canola, soybean and olive oils are good fats to use for stir-frying, cooking and some baking because they have less saturated fat than many other options.
    * Egg substitutes can replace eggs at a savings of 5 grams of fat each (1/4 cup = 1 large egg).

Cooking
    * Choose lean and extra-lean ground meats or ground turkey breast.
    * Choose loin and sirloin meats and skinless white-meat poultry.
    * Trim fat from meats before cooking.      
    * Cut bacon or sausage amounts in half, or switch to turkey bacon, low-fat sausages or vegetarian alternatives.
    * Cut meat amounts in chilis and casseroles in half; add beans for extra protein and fiber.
    * Blend or process 1/4 to 1/3 of a soup to make it creamy instead of adding cream or thickeners.

Baking
    * Replace butter with no-trans-fat vegetable oil spread. Or, replace half with canola oil.
    * Replace half the fat with applesauce. Next time, go further if you like the results.
    * Cut chocolate chips in half and use miniatures to make the flavor go further.
    * Toast nuts for fullest flavor, then use half the amount and finely chop.
    * Use cooking spray to grease pans; spray cupcake liners to release muffins easily.

Punch up the Flavor
Fat carries flavor. When fat is reduced or removed, foods can become bland. It’s important to increase flavorings and/or seasonings to compensate for that lost fat.

    * Use grated or shredded lemon, lime or orange peel, or squeeze fresh juice to heighten flavor.
    * Add high-flavored ingredients like Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic, gingerroot, chili peppers, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, hoisin sauce or other full-flavored condiments.
    * Sprinkle or stir in chopped fresh herbs just before serving to enhance flavors.
    * Double or triple the amount of vanilla, and increase spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg when baking.

Check the Sodium
    * Buy low- or reduced-sodium instead of regular chicken broth, soy sauce, canned foods and prepared pasta sauces.
    * Rinse canned veggies and beans before using.
    * Cut added salt in half or leave it out completely.
    * Instead of salt, use a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice or a splash of high-flavored vinegar.
    * Check the ingredient list on dried herb mixtures to avoid added sodium.

Add Fiber
    * Double the amount of veggies and/or legumes in stir-fries, casseroles, soups, stews and salads to help fill you up.      
    * Switch to whole grain pasta, rice and grains.
    * Mix oatmeal or other cereal into burgers and meatballs.
    * Crush high-fiber cereal such as Fiber One® to coat chicken breasts and fish fillets or use as a topping for baked dishes like casseroles or muffins.
    * Replace half the amount of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour when baking.