Optimum health begins with a healthy diet. A healthy diet, on the other hand, starts with the healthy selection of food to give your body what it needs to serve you for years to come. Additionally, the healthiest components in a meal can quickly become unhealthy if the ingredients in your meal are prepared in an unhealthy manner. Here, then, are 8 tips for the healthy preparation and selection of foods to help you on your way to good nutrition and vital health.
Food Preparation
When Preparing Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Keep Them Whole.
When preparing your fruits and vegetables for consumption, keep them whole or cut them into large pieces. Keeping your fruits and vegetables whole during preparation and cooking helps to maintain their nutrients and flavor. Many vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower and celery are more beneficial when they remain whole. Served whole, they are full of natural vitamin C, vitamin A, Calcium and other nutrients.
Stir-Fry Your Vegetables Instead Of Boiling Them.
Often, in many dishes, stir-frying your vegetables instead of frying or boiling them is a much better option in cooking. By stir-frying your vegetables in a minimal amount of oil, broth, water, or soy sauce, you can eliminate much of the fat in your food. And, of course, less fat in your food is less fat on your hips! Additionally, this method of preparation not only helps to seal in the flavor of the food, but it also preserves the nutrients, as well.
Bake Meat At A Low Temperature.
When baking meat or poultry in an oven, cook them at low to medium temperatures instead of high temperatures. This helps to preserve their tenderness and flavor. Additionally, slower methods of cooking also help to preserve the nutrients in the food.
Roast Meats And Poultry On A Rack.
Whenever you roast meat in the oven, roast it on a rack rather than in a pan. Roasting meats on a rack allows the fat to drain off the meat which ensures less fat in your food.
Stew, Steam Or Simmer Your Food Instead Of Frying.
The process of frying your food causes the fat content to increase. Instead of frying your food, try stir-frying in a wok instead. Alternatively, food can also be cooked in a small amount of broth, soy sauce, or bouillon. Poultry, meat and fish can be prepared by stewing, steaming or simmering in vegetable juices until tender. Not only do these methods maintain the flavor of the food but they also preserve the vitamins and the nutrients as well.
Food Selection
Whenever Possible Buy Range-Fed Meats And Poultry.
Often, before chickens or other animals are slaughtered and brought to the supermarkets, they are kept in extremely inhumane conditions. Additionally, these animals are sometimes given large doses of antibiotics and hormones to fatten them up quickly. In contrast, range-fed animals and poultry are allowed to roam freely and have a much healthier life. Furthermore, they also have a normal diet without chemicals and antibiotics. This translates into meat that is much healthier for human consumption and more flavorful and tender meat.
Buy Seeds And Nuts In Their Shell.
Although nuts and seed are available pre-shelled in the markets, it's preferable to buy them in their shells. The reason for this is that many seeds and nuts are very sensitive to light and oxygen and turn rancid rather quickly without us knowing it. The good old fashion way is the best way to eat nuts and seeds, cracking them open yourself and eating them fresh. This preserves their freshness and their nutrients.
Buy Produce In Their Season.
Buying produce in their season assures you of a wider selection of foods to choose from, since they will be available in greater abundance. Additionally, produce which is purchased in season will usually be fresher, more tender and more flavorful than produce that has been shipped in from other locations.
Patricia is a health focused content author. For more detailed health information please visit her site that discusses the importance of adding Nutritional Supplements to your diet.
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