Healthy food doesn't need to conjure images of tasteless menus. Combine a wide variety of fresh produce, whole grains and low-fat meats and dairy with different ways to prepare those foods and you'll experience a positive taste adventure as well as complete nutrition. Proper planning, implementing shopping strategies and looking at everyday meals in new ways may actually improve your taste appreciation.
Fresh Produce
Begin any food shopping trip in the fresh produce section of the market while looking for a large variety of colors. A variety of colors in fresh produce reflects a variety of vitamins and minerals. Fresh vegetables and fruit provide the best choices for snacks, side dishes and even desserts. Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and celery sticks laced with raisins and peanut butter are flavorful, fiber-filled snacks that are more nutritious than the usual chips, pretzels or other processed snacks.
Whole-Grain Goodness
Kick the plain white bread, pastas and processed cereals habit by switching to whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals. About half of any healthy diet is composed of carbohydrates, and whole-grain carbs will have more nutrition and dietary fiber than processed foods. The entire kernel used in whole grain foods provides more tactile interest for the palate along with variety of taste from different grains. Be sure the label states the food has 100 percent whole grains, and try a variety of grains to vary the taste possibilities.
Low-fat Fish
Reach for poultry, fish, legumes, nuts and seeds for protein needs without the fat contained in red meat choices. The Harvard School of Public Health states that choosing fish over steak can result in about the same protein with only a quarter of the fat. Coat the salmon steak in crushed nuts or seeds for tasty dish. A fresh fruit-juice marinade or low-fat, fruit-laced yogurt coating on poultry can turn plain food into creative cuisine that keeps both taste and fun in healthy food. Remember to use polyunsaturated vegetable oils rather than shortening or other animal-based cooking oils for heart health.
Member Comments