Healthy cooking doesn't need to be a chore – once you get the hang of it, it can actually be a great creative outlet. I like to think of it as a game or fun challenge. Anyone can make a carb-heavy bowl of pasta. But a bowl of zoodles or spaghetti squash "noodles" that's just as tasty as the traditional dish? You've just slayed the healthy cooking game!
The easiest way to master healthy cooking is to have a few genius hacks up your sleeve.
Here are 7 of our all-time favorites:
1.) Upgrade your morning oats. Skip the maple syrup or brown sugar and opt for frozen berries instead. Once those icy beauties hit your hot oats, they'll instantly start melting and naturally sweeten your bowl. Bonus: A generous dash of antioxidant-rich cinnamon will add big flavor and depth. (A favorite topping combo: One teaspoon of almond butter + chopped almonds, pictured above.)
2.) Go on a date (with your morning smoothie). Give maple syrup or other sweeteners the boot and throw a dried date into the blender instead. Naturally sweet and super nutritious, one dried date will more than satisfy your sweet tooth.
3.) Make beans your bestie. So filling and versatile – you can put them in almost anything. They're a great substitute for pasta as they absorb sauces quite well + thicken soup beautifully when mashed. Plus, try roasting them with a little cooking spray or olive oil + salt and pepper – an addictive, grab-and-go snack.
4.) Season your soup the smart way. You've just simmered your pot to perfection, given it a taste, but uh oh, it tastes a little flat. Instead of adding more fat or salt, try adding a splash of vinegar or squeeze of citrus to brighten it up – without adding any calories.
5.) Make friends with mocktails. Craving a cocktail or glass of wine at the end of a long day? Many times it's more about the occasion of the drink than really needing the alcohol. Start with your favorite fancy glass, fill it with ice, soda water and then the additions are up to you – which you can mix and match. We like fresh citrus (try grapefruit), any type of ade (lime, lemon, etc), bitters, fresh ginger (or ginger beer), fresh herbs and fruit. Cheers!
6.) Go Greek. Who needs sour cream when Greek yogurt is such a spot-on substitute? Both are creamy and tangy but Greek yogurt has lower calories and fat + more protein than sour cream. Use it in dressings, dips, when baking and as a topping for your favorite Mexican dish – your family and friends will never know you made the swap.
7.) Marinate your meat. Marinades are a great way to add tons of flavor to your favorite proteins without adding tons of extra calories. No need for heavy sauces or breading when your marinade is doing all the work. Bonus: Always marinate twice the amount you need, freeze half and then when it's time to defrost, it'll slowly marinate as it thaws – two dinners for the price of one.
Here's to making your next meal as healthy (and tasty) as possible.