With all the tasks you have to finish every day, the easiest thing to do is to get your meal from a fast-food stand or a bakery and eat it as you rush to yet another meeting at the office. And when you actually start buying healthy ingredients for your meals, you often ruin them by preparing them the wrong way. So, the main thing you want to know is how to consume your food in the healthiest possible manner. Here are some tricks and tips to help you.
The helpful appliances
Before we even tackle the issue of choosing our food, there is the problem of preparing it. Since none of us have hours to spend in the kitchen every day, having good and useful appliances can shorten our cooking time significantly, making it easier in the process. Having a food processor or a blender is a good place to start, since they’ll allow you to make anything from a healthy smoothie, to savory salad dressings. You’ll definitely need a cooker with a good oven, while a microwave oven can also prove to be valuable. Other appliances that might be of great assistance in the kitchen are an electric kettle, hand mixer or even an electric grill.
Cookware
If you’re unsure of what pots and pans you should get for your kitchen, start with anything that’s nonstick. For example, a good nonstick pan or a skillet can provide you with many meal possibilities, since they allow you the minimal use of oil for an optimal meal quality. A wok is also a good thing to own, especially if you like your meals loaded with various vegetables, while a grill pan can be a treasured asset for all those who prefer their meat and vegetables grilled. Make sure you maintain the cleanliness of your dishes without damaging them, which is why you should invest in one of the premium Miele dishwashers. They have five or more different cycles, which means that you can choose the best cycle for your dishes to optimize their quality and keep them in the best possible shape for a long time.
Choosing your food
When it comes to food itself, what you buy is what you’ll eat, so make sure your choices are good, healthy and support your dietary requirements. The first thing you should do is lose the habit of buying everything at the supermarket and turn to farmers’ markets instead. You’ll love the smells and colors of fresh fruit and vegetables, but also things like home-made dairy products and honey. You’ll find a large variety of organic products, which will usually be of better quality than those in big retail stores. And when it comes to dairy products, remember that by getting the low-fat versions, you’re cutting down on calories. It might be a good idea to make a weekly menu, so that you know what you need to buy for the meals that you’re making. Get enough fruit, vegetables, nuts and wholegrains for a whole week of healthy breakfasts and snacks. If you’re buying meat, opt for lean protein, such as chicken or turkey breast, as well as fish and other seafood. If you prefer red meat, choose beef or pork tenderloin, since they are great sources or protein and amino acids. Skip processed foods and sugary snacks. They are often high on calories, but without the nutrients you need.
Preparing your meals
Now that you have all the ingredients, dishes and appliances, make the best of them by cooking wisely. Buying cauliflower or mushrooms and then deep-frying them doesn’t really do much for your healthy diet, does it? Use as little oil as possible when cooking and grill or boil your food instead of frying or roasting it. Whenever possible, eat your vegetables raw. For example, you can grill some chicken and make a large bowl of salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. You can even throw in some avocado, lettuce or spring onions. The options are limitless, you just have to have the right ingredients at hand. Avoid putting too much salt on your food. Instead, use spices like thyme, parsley, rosemary, basil or oregano. Similarly, you can season your food with fresh garlic or lemon juice. And anything extra that you prepare can be stored in your fridge or freezer for a quick and healthy meal in a day or two.
Hydration matters
There’s nothing healthy or smart in forgetting to drink water. About eight glasses a day is a good amount, but you should also let your body tell you if it needs more, so drink more water if you’re thirsty. Other than water, good way to hydrate is by drinking tea. There are many types and blends out there, but you can’t really go wrong with things like chamomile, nettle and green tea with some honey and lemon. Avoid drinks with added sugar and if you really want something fruity and sweet to drink, make your own smoothie at home, or squeeze an orange and a lemon and mix it with some cooled water.
Making smart and healthy dietary decisions is actually much easier than you think. All it takes is some planning and a couple of wise investments and you’re good to go. So, start consuming your food in a healthier way now.