Stepping into the kitchen and preparing a meal yourself is a great way to eat healthier than opting for a ready-made meal. However, as with everything, mistakes can creep in here too. No stress, you've got this! Here are six common mistakes and how to avoid them to make your homemade meal even healthier.
Salt vs. Herbs
We get it, nobody wants a bland dish. But before you know it, you might reach for that salt shaker. Try to avoid that! There are so many herbs that can elevate your dish to a higher level. Experiment with your spice rack and you'll find that your meals become healthier and more flavorful.
'Low-fat' isn't always better
Those big 'low-fat' letters on packaging are tempting. But let's be honest, how do those products really taste? Often, extra flavor enhancers are added because 'low-fat' products inherently have less flavor. So yes, you get less fat, but often more sugars and artificial flavorings. Start small, opt for the regular product and taste the difference.
Overcooked Vegetables
Vegetables are fantastic, full of vitamins and flavor. But don't overcook them! The longer they cook, the more vitamins are lost. Keep an eye on your pot and prevent your vegetables from cooking too long.
Choice of Oil
The variety of oils is huge. Each with its own smoke point, the point at which oils and fats begin to break down and give your food a strange taste. For example, butter, extra virgin olive oil, and flaxseed oil have a smoke point below 180 degrees Celsius. So, it's better not to use them for frying, sautéing, deep-frying, or stir-frying. Try a different oil, it can make a world of difference.
Don't Peel Your Vegetables and Fruits
Many nutrients are actually in the peel of vegetables and fruits. So why would you throw that away? Wash your food well and enjoy it with the peel on. Give it a try, you'll be amazed at the extra flavor you get.
There you have it, six common kitchen mistakes and how to avoid them. Try out these tips and see how they help you cook even healthier and tastier. Good luck!