"Healthy"...?!
Most common misconception: “Oh it's homemade, it must be healthy!” No! No!
I hear this statement so much, and I totally understand why people would think this. However, there is much more to healthy food than just making it yourself. You need to consider ingredients and sources of those ingredients.
For example, if the sauce on your pasta dish is loaded with cream and butter, then it is full of fats which contribute to heart disease. These are the dishes I try to reserve for when I eat out. At home, everyday cooking should not be full of heavy and rich ingredients.
So, how can my food still taste good without the sugar/salt/fat???
Some tips for healthier eating and where to begin:
Fill up your pantry with spices and herbs; and do not be afraid to use them. Try to mix it up and figure which flavours go together.
Grains are your friend, especially whole grains: brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, quinoa, barley, etc.
Carbohydrates are not the enemy!!! All fruits and vegetables are carbohydrates, I HATE when people say they are “avoiding carbs” or “going gluten free”... you need to consume them in their most natural state to reap the benefits. Think about how your body breaks down an apple versus apple juice. By just thinking about that concept you know which is healthier. People are afraid to eat “too much fruit” because of the sugar content, but won’t think twice about drinking the fruit juice.
Fresh, frozen or canned (go for BPA free lining) vegetables are all nutritious. Stock up the freezer and pantry so you always have some on hand for a quick soup/stew/to add to any dish.
Avoid heavily processed foods: 5 or more ingredients, think about if you really need it. The following is a link to explain what processed food is: What is processed food?
Do not buy food if you do not know the ingredients! I’m the crazy lady reading labels, and pulling faces, before I put food back on the shelf at the grocery store.
Organic is not always healthy. I do try to buy organic and good quality ingredients, but some of the processed organic food is full of preservatives and sugars which I try to avoid.
Avoid cream, butter and too much oil.. add flavour by using the herbs and spices you just stocked that pantry with!
