Enjoying your favorite foods, prepared in a healthier way

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Are you a fan of french fries or family BBQs? Looking after your health doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the food you love - just consider preparing them in a new, healthier way. Expand your cooking skills beyond frying and learn more ways to cook what you love. Consider these healthier alternatives to oil-based frying. Click the links to access descriptions, videos and recipes.

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Bake: Cook foods slowly in dry heat like an oven.

Blanch: Boil the food briefly (about 30 seconds) then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. This is especially cool for veggies you want to keep a little bit crisp or almost-raw.

Braise: Cook food using both dry heat – from an oven or the stovetop – and wet heat from liquid.

Broil: Cook directly under a heat source at high temperature.

Grill: Cook directly over a heat source.

Poach: Cook by immersing food in simmering liquid like water, broth or wine.

Roast: Cook uncovered in the oven.

Sauté: Cook food in a pan over direct heat using a small amount of liquid like vegetable stock, fruit juice, wine, healthy oil or cooking spray, or even water.

Steam: Cook in a covered pot over boiling water. Foods will retain more of their shape, texture and flavor.

Stir-fry: Use a wok or large pan to cook food quickly over very high heat in a small amount of liquid or oil. Stir constantly to prevent sticking or burning.

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Useful tip

Air frying cuts down calories

Fried food can be particularly unhealthy for your heart but a lot of your favorite dishes can be baked instead of fried. Plus, new kitchen gadgets such as air-fryers can be a great substitute for traditional oil-based frying as they cut down calories without losing the flavor.

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Source: The American Heart Association

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.

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