If we take a look at the way that we eat or the diet that we maintain, there is likely always room for improvement. Though we may feel that we’re already eating well, there are always ways to lower fat intake or to boost the nutritional value of a favorite dish. This is all about taking a long hard look at our diet and considering what’s working, and perhaps what’s working against us.
So when you think about how to lower fat in some of your favorite foods, this takes some investigation for sure. You may be doing some things well, but if you’re trying to lose weight or just get healthier then you absolutely want to look for improvements in this area. Believe it or not, some of these may not be as hard as you might think. It may just be a matter of making healthy substitutions or focusing on better ingredients in the first place.
If you’re interested in lowering the fat content, then it’s time to get serious about what you eat and how you eat it. As you will see, even the way that you prepare your foods can make a huge difference. So here we look at just what it takes to lower fat and make our favorite foods as healthy as they can possibly be.
1. ADD MORE VEGETABLES OR FRUITS TO THE MIX:
If you look at any meal or favorite dish, there’s always the opportunity to add in more fruits or vegetables. Even if you’re eating really well, inserting more of these nutritional powerhouses into the mix will make for a truly well-rounded meal. If it’s an omelet or breakfast dish then add in a good blend of vegetables. Filling up half your plate with these nutrient-rich foods not only gives you everything that you need, but it also ensures that you naturally lower the fat content as well. Fill up on the good stuff, and then you stay away from the unhealthy choices too.
2. COOK WITH A HEALTHY OIL TO START THINGS OFF RIGHT:
According to Charlotte Leslie, rather than using butter or vegetable oil that are full of unnecessary fat, try a healthier alternative. Preparing and cooking your food with olive oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil adds in a good type of fat. They also add in some great flavor and you don’t need as much. So you may get some fat, but it’s the good type—and you won’t overdo it either with these types so it’s a good all-around choice.
3. SUBSTITUTE A HEALTHY GRAIN AND GET MORE OF WHAT YOU NEED:
Not only can you lower the fat content by opting for true whole grains, but you also get the right type of carbohydrates too. Forget about the white rice, bread, or pasta as they are nutritionally void and higher in fat anyhow. Options such as brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats are full of fiber, lower in fat, and are a much healthier option.
4. ADD MORE LEAN PROTEIN TO MAKE THE DISH MORE SUBSTANTIAL AND FILLING:
When in doubt focus on some protein, but the right type. Forget about the processed meats or fatty cuts, and include true lean proteins. Not only are they lower in fat, but they will also help you to feel full as they are substantial. Adding a lean protein to anything from salad to an egg dish can help to boost the nutritional content, as well as lower the fat.
5. USE A LOWER FAT BASE TO GIVE YOU THE TASTE WITHOUT THE CALORIES:
You will find that using a low-fat chicken broth can give you a lot of the flavor without the calories. Substituting that for a higher fat chicken broth or even cream base can help to bring together flavors in a much lower fat way. Finding healthier alternatives such as a fat-free dairy base for a healthy macaroni and cheese is a great way to start.
Any time that you can make healthy substitutions and use a good solid base, then you’re automatically going to cut your fat content. This is a tried and true trick that will serve you well, and if it starts off lower in fat then you can add a healthy substance like butternut squash that makes a great filler and is far better for you than the fatty alternatives. It’s all about getting creative and finding the right ingredients that will make all the difference in the world!
