Deciding to eat healthier doesn’t mean our taste buds have to become taste duds. There’s a lot of flavor in good-for-you foods; it’s just a matter of knowing which ones to choose and how to prepare them. Here are some quick-and-easy ideas for doing just that—borrowed from some foodie friends.
Give the fellows portobellos. If the men in your life love steak but you’re worried about their cholesterol, try substituting portobello mushrooms for beef. One saucer-size portobello has only 1 gram of fat, and when it’s grilled it tastes like tender steak. Brush with fat-free Italian dressing and Worcestershire sauce, grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and garnish with onions and peppers. They will hardly be able to tell the difference.
Serve a better fish stick. Fish sticks are the seafood version of hot dogs. For a healthier, do-it-yourself alternative that even the kids will like, buy some salmon or tuna steaks the next time they’re on sale and cut them into finger-size portions. Dip into an egg-white batter and roll in bread crumbs. Freeze and then bake as needed—20 to 30 minutes at 350°F will usually do it.
Oil your potato. To save calories and fat, put a splash of extra virgin olive oil on your baked potato instead of butter or sour cream.
Sneak in some turkey. Hamburgers made entirely of turkey tend to be dry, but a little mixed with ground beef is hardly noticeable and can help to significantly cut the fat. It works well in chili, too. Just be sure to buy ground turkey breast. The regular stuff contains dark meat and even skin, which gives it almost as much fat as lean ground beef.
Curd the fat. Although Italian grandmothers will object, use small-curd, low-fat cottage cheese instead of high-fat ricotta in lasagna, manicotti, and other Italian dishes.
Dip a better chip. Buy a bag of whole-wheat pitas, slice them into little triangles, and bake at 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the tips turn golden brown. Dip in guacamole or salsa.
Dress your salad smart. You don’t need fattening dressings to make your salads taste great. Try this ranch-style alternative: Combine ¼ cup buttermilk with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and minced garlic, parsley, and chives.
Trim your wings. Your family will love this recipe. Instead of using chicken wings, buy skinless chicken-breast tenders. Marinate them overnight in hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and red wine vinegar. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes and serve at kickoff.
Make oatmeal edible. Oatmeal is a natural cholesterol-fighter and one of the most healthful things you can eat. But if yours tastes like wallpaper paste, try this: Heat 1½ cups apple juice in the microwave, then pour over ¾ cup dry, quick oats. Add some raisins, slivered almonds, shaved pear, and peach slices. Mmm.
Looking for more easy ways to enjoy healthy food? We’ve got something you’ll love right here.
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
