Making adjustments to ingredients and cooking techniques can add up to big calorie savings over time.<

With these easy cooking tips, you won’t even know you’re “cutting back.”

Master the Methods

Some cooking methods are inherently healthier than others. Steaming, poaching, grilling, roasting and broiling are all great techniques to use when you’re trying to trim calories—they require little, if any, oil.

Spice it Up

Spices, herbs and low-fat condiments can be a terrific way to add flavour without loading up on fat or calories.

 

  • Stir ribbons of fresh basil into pasta sauce before serving or toss a handful of fresh dill fronds and cilantro leaves into a salad
  • Top a baked potato with a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt and a spoonful of salsa
  • Drizzle roasted vegetables with balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice to add bright flavour

 

To make sure you get the most flavour from your dried herbs and spices, store them in a cool, dark place and replace them after 6 months.

Go Gourmet

Be brave and experiment with specialty ingredients that you’ve never tried before. The flavours may inspire you to add them to your cooking in new and exciting ways. Try adding roasted red peppers to salads,or minced sun-dried tomatoes to pasta or pan sauces. If you’re using oil-packed brands of peppers or tomatoes, rinse them of excess oil before using.

Sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil should be rehydrated in hot broth or water for 30 minutes until pliable before using.