by Ursula Ridens

We can all use some helpful tips and new ideas when it comes to cooking. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut with the same familiar foods and cooking methods. Unfortunately, this might be holding you back from reaching your health and weight loss goals.

We can train ourselves to do almost anything with a little willingness. Sometimes I talk to clients who turn their noses up at trying new foods or healthier recipes for fear that they won’t taste good. Perhaps they have a little too much emotion invested in their experience with food? While eating should be enjoyable, it doesn’t have to be a “cloud 9” experience.

Try these smart cooking ideas for a healthy twist! Be sure to allow your mind and palate an adjustment period to get accustomed to new tastes and textures.

* For crunchy tacos or tostadas, bake your tortillas in the oven rather than frying in a pan or buying prepared shells. Drape your tortilla over one or two metal rungs in the oven (or lay flat on the rack) and bake on low heat until crispy!

* Make a switch to preparing more vegetarian meals like chili, tofu stir fry or veggie burgers. These will usually have less fat (as long as you don’t add heavy sauces or lots of oil!).

* When making deli sandwiches, skip the mayo! Use veggies, hummus, balsamic vinaigrette, salad spritzers or sprays, or mustard for moisture.

* For garlic bread, drizzle olive oil rather than slathering butter or margarine on top. You’ll get a healthier type of fat and generally use a smaller portion.

* Be sure to use more egg whites than whole eggs when making omelets or making recipes that call for eggs. If you need two eggs, use one whole egg and one egg white.

* If you haven’t already switched to nonfat milk, take the plunge now! Also be sure to use non or low fat yogurts and sour cream.

* If you drink juice, get into the habit of diluting it with water. You can still enjoy the flavor with fewer calories!

* Buy lean meats such as skinless chicken and lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). When buying ground turkey or ground chicken look for ground breast meat. Use lean cuts of meat (pork or lamb tenderloin, loin chops or leg cuts: beef round, chuck, sirloin, or tenderloin) and choose beef that is labeled “Choice” or “Select” instead of “Prime,” which usually has more fat.

* Trim ALL the visible fat from chicken and meat before cooking.

* Drain ALL the fat from the pan after cooking.

* Consider using a BBQ or grill (like the George Foreman Grill) so the fat drains off while cooking.

* Use cooking spray in the pan rather than butter or oil.

* Replace half the oil in the pan with water when cooking or stir frying veggies.

Are you ready to take on the adventure of fun, healthy and smart cooking? Do you need help taking action? Get support from Ursula Ridens, Registered Dietitian and discover how you don’t have to be on a rigid diet to succeed! Visit http://www.ursularidens.com/ to learn more about Ursula, her passion to help you achieve your health and weight loss goals through realistic lifestyle changes, and the program options available to you.