Low Fat Foods
Let’s start with a lifestyle change and eat healthy low fat foods. Begin by clearing your kitchen and stock up on foods that will help you cut on fat and calories. Start by stocking on the following:
Pasta: Whole wheat spaghetti, penne, lasagna sheets and macaroni
Flavors: herbs, spices and seasonings; whole garlic, garlic paste, tomato paste, chili paste, bottled ginger, low-sodium Worcestershire sauce, soy sauces and bottled marinades
Dried Fruits: Cranberries, cherries, blueberries and raisin
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, pecans; pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flax seeds
Oils: Olive oil, canola oil, nonstick cooking spray, safflower oil, flavored oils
Stocks: Low-fat, low-sodium canned soups and soup mixes; low-sodium, fat-free broths, bouillon cubes and stock concentrates
Breads and Cereals: Whole grain breads, rolls and bagels; whole wheat flour; whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal, bran flakes or low-fat granola.
This is a basic list but gives you an idea of what low fat foods to stock in a low fat kitchen to prepare flavorful, nutritious meals. Make sure to include nuts, seeds, oils and fatty fish in your diets in moderation as the fat from these sources is heart healthy. Don’t forget to include fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. Pastas and breads are commonly low in fat but it is important to check the labels to for its nutritional content..
Pay special attention to exactly how much you are eating so portion size is important. The secret to eating low fat foods is the preparation. You can accomplish this by using non-stick cookware and using spices to perk up the flavor of your food rather than using high calorie seasonings. Use olive oil for cooking as it adds flavor and is healthier.
Another healthy option is eating stir fry vegetables cooked in a little olive oil and vegetable broth to add flavor. When making gravy you can use broth with flour and thicken it with milk.