There are plenty of things to consider when you’re trying to get back into a healthy lifestyle. While physical activity is very important, you also can’t neglect the fact that “abs are made in the kitchen”, meaning that it’s the food that you eat that will mainly help you out in getting fit and healthy. 

Healthy cooking is not just about what you eat, but also how you prepare it. There are a lot of healthy cooking tips that can help with weight loss or prevent health issues. So, here are some handy tips you may want to consider when it comes to healthy cooking!

Always use fresh ingredients in your cooking

If you are considering making something such as a Mexican chicken casserole recipe here for tonight’s dinner, then make sure to look for fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients in cooking are an essential aspect of a good meal. Fresh ingredients are not only important for the taste and texture of your dish, but also for the health benefits. 

When you can’t find fresh herbs or vegetables, there are many substitutes that you can use to get the same flavor and health benefits. But just keep in mind that frozen can be okay too, they’re still technically considered fresh. Just try to avoid anything in a can.

Use herbs and spices instead of salt, sugar, or other additives

Salt, sugar, and other additives are not the best choice for seasoning your food. Instead, herbs and spices are a better option. They are natural additions that don’t have any negative side effects on your health.

Salt is an additive that’s necessary for our diets but can also be harmful to our health if too much is consumed. It can cause high blood pressure, dehydration, and lead kidney problems. Some salt is fine, but not too much. Sugar is another additive that’s necessary for our diets but can also be harmful to our health if too much is consumed. It can cause diabetes and obesity. While some sugar is fine, you shouldn’t consume too much. Besides, there is plenty of fruit that is packed with sugars anyways.

So since salt and sugar aren’t that good, what about other additives? Well, in regards to these, you can expect them to include MSG (monosodium glutamate), artificial colors and flavors, as well as preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate

Use olive oil instead of butter or margarine

Olive oil is a healthier alternative to butter or margarine. It has many health benefits such as healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also much cheaper than butter or margarine. A little bit of olive oil goes a long way and it is suitable for cooking, baking, sautéing, and even frying. While this is one of the more healthy alternatives, depending on what you’re frying, you can probably even opt for water as well.

Don’t leave food out for too long

It is advisable to not leave food out for too long. It is also important to make sure that you don’t leave it out overnight. Don’t leave food out for too long, as it can get spoiled and cause food poisoning. If you do, take the leftovers to your fridge or freezer immediately. If you throw away the leftovers, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating any other food.