In a time of fast food chains with super sized servings and instant meals that contain nothing but empty calories, it's no wonder why people seem to be packing on pounds rapidly. And if these extra pounds have already taken a toll on your health or on your self-esteem, then maybe it is about time that you try low fat cooking.
Sure, taking the time out to prepare and cook low fat meals might seem like an arduous task but the long term health benefits that come along with it will surely be worth the effort. And low fat cooking does not mean being deprived of scrumptious meals - a lot of delicious but healthy recipes are out there ready to cater to health conscious people who have hard to please palates too.
For those who fancy fish, a broiled salmon with lemon sauce might be a real treat for you. With only 212 calories per serving, this delightful meal done by serving salmon topped with a sauce made by mixing together cornstarch, lemon juice, chicken broth and honey gives us the omega 3 fatty acids that our body needs.
Fear you would never eat chicken again with low fat cooking? Contrary to that fear, there as many low fat recipes for chicken as there is for fish. Even the all-time favorite chicken teriyaki has now its low fat version, too. Still with its classic sauce made from ginger, honey, and scallions; this baked version has only 296 calories per serving. Just as delectable as any other chicken teriyaki's out there minus the extra fat.
Even meat lovers need not to fret no more. Low fat cooking still includes options for those who simply cannot take meat out of there diet. Done by marinating beef with lime juice, cumin, chili powder and garlic then cooking it with red bell peppers and onions and separating them into tortillas; these mouth-watering beef fajitas contain only 253 calories per serving as long as you serve it with fat-free sour cream as garnishing.
Aside from choosing these delectable low fat meals over the calorie-packed ones, being familiar with some low fat cooking tips can be of a big help too. Instead of frying your food, why not grill, broil, bake, braise, steam, poach, slow-cook, or microwave them instead? Or instead of using butter or oil, make use of oil nonstick cooking sprays or liquid oils for a change. You could also substitute reduced fat cheese for the full-fat kinds, use phyllo dough in topping pies or lining tarts, and use herbs, spices, fruits and salsas to flavor your food. You could also cut all the excess fat noticeable in your meat and drain fat from cooked ones with kitchen paper.
Whoever thought low fat meals could get as tasty as these? Or that preparing these dishes was not that hard after all? With the proper know-how in preparing them and the motivation to make them a part of your regular diet, you will be saying goodbye to those unwanted extra pounds in no time.
You may be used to putting a knob of butter or lard into the frying pan before adding the streak bacon ? this does not mean that you should. Instead of adding the saturated fat, try grilling without any added fat. Instead of streaky, try bacon and trim off any visible fat. You could even get rid of the bacon altogether. Knowing what the alternatives are is the key to enjoying your new low fat diet. You don't have to forego everything you enjoy eating. Sitting down to a family meal together can be one of the most pleasurable parts of your day.
As a rule, avoid frying, as it is the least healthy way of cooking. Stir-frying is better as long as you use very little oil. Use a good quality wok and keep the temperature high, tossing the ingredients constantly so that they do not stick Try Prawn Stir-fry as follows:-
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
INGREDIENTS:-
8 spring onions
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
2 tbsp groundnut or sunflower oil
2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger
200g/7 oz mange tout
450 g/1 lb raw prawns, thawed if frozen, peeled and divined
4 tbsp Chinese rice wine
STEPS:-
1)Using a sharp knife, trim the spring onions and finely chop. Deseed and slice the peppers.
2)Heat the groundnut oil in a preheated wok or heavy-based frying pan. Add the spring onions, garlic and peppers and stir-fry over a medium heat for 4 minutes
3)Add the mange touts and prawns and stir fry for 4 minutes, or until the prawns have changed the color. Stir in Chinese rice wine, then transfer to four large, warmed serving plates and serve.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:-
Calories????????..203
Protein?????????28g
Carbohydrates??????..5g
Sugars?????????...4g
Fat???????????.8g
Saturates?????????1g
VARIATION:-
Substitute thinly sliced broccoli florets for the mange tout for an equally colorful and tasty dish. Replace the Chinese rice wine with dry sherry.
Also, let me share with you one of my personal favorites, The ?Low Fat? Coffee Ice Cream:
Preparation Time: 1 hour, plus
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Freezing: 6 hours
INGREDIENTS:-
25 g/1 oz plain chocolate
225g/8 oz ricotta cheese
5 tbsp low fat natural yogurt
85 g/3 oz caster sugar
175 ml/6 fl oz strong black coffee, cooled and chilled
? tsp ground cinnamon
dash of vanilla essence
25 g/1 oz chocolate curls, to decorate
STEPS:-
1)Grate the chocolate and reserve. Place the ricotta cheese, yogurt and sugar in a blender or food processor and process until a smooth puree forms. Transfer to a large bowl and beat in the coffee, cinnamon, vanilla essence and grated chocolates.
2)Spoon the mixture into a freezer proof container and freeze for 1? hours, or until slushy. Remove from the freezer, turn into a bowl and beat. Return to the container and freeze for 1? hours.
3)Repeat the beating and freezing process twice more before serving in scoops, decorated with chocolate curls. Alternatively, leave in the freezer until 15 minutes before serving, and then transfer to the refrigerator to soften slightly before scooping.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:-
Calories????????..150
Protein??????????6g
Carbohydrates??????..21g
Sugars?????????...21g
Fat???????????...6g
Saturates?????????..4g
VARIATION:-
Omit the cinnamon and vanilla essence and substitute 40 g/1? oz grated mint chocolate for the plain chocolate.
Both Pailamod Paila & Khushwant Singh are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Pailamod Paila has sinced written about articles on various topics from Hair Removal, Fitness and Types of Cancer. Please visit and for more information. Pailamod Paila's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Khushwant Singh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cooking Tips, Fitness. About the author:For more recipes, as well as nutrition information for all type of product's visitwww.100cookingtips.comKhushwant Singh. Khushwant Singh's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.