Five tips for tasty and healthy meals

[cappuccino]

(NC)—Preparing food that both tastes good and is good for you is not a magic trick. Here are a few simple meal planning and preparation tips to help you prepare healthy, delicious food that your family will love.

Got a few minutes? Plan your menus

This will allow you the time to schedule a quick and easy meal on Wednesday when your son plays hockey and a late dinner on Thursday because of a parent-teacher interview.

Cruise the grocery store with a list

A grocery list will ensure that you bring home everything you need to prepare the tasty and nutritious meals you planned. This simple trick will help you to save money by avoiding impulse buys

Choose seasonal produce

Buying fruits and vegetables in season lets you enjoy peak flavour at modest cost. Buy apples in the fall, asparagus in the spring and peaches in the late summer. When the price of fresh produce is high, choose frozen fruit and vegetables to save money.

Equip your kitchen for low fat food preparation

This needn't be expensive. A steamer for vegetables helps retain their flavour and nutrients without added fat; a pan with rack allows the fat to drip away from meat to help you achieve low fat, flavourful cooking; and non-stick cookware lets you to brown or sauté without added fats or oils.

Use cooking methods that do not add extra fat to the dish

Steamed vegetables are especially flavourful when herbs are added to the steaming liquid. Broiled or grilled meats are lower in fat and develop a rich golden colour that adds visual and taste appeal. Baking, especially in a pan with a rack, is another low fat cooking method.

Learn more in the Canadian Diabetes Association's new resource, Beyond the Basics, available online at https://orders.diabetes.ca.

Credit: www.newscanada.com