Monthly Articles
Fall Vegetables
September 2008September is a perfect time of year to start planning those fall menu favorites. As seasons change so do the availability of our favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. We start looking for foods that are heartier and will keep us going as the temperature starts to change
As consumers we have grown increasingly aware of the need to make good food choices and decisions that are well balanced and seasonally available in order to accomplish our goals.
Fresh and nutritious ingredients are only part of the healthy cooking process. It is relatively easy to start with healthy ingredients, but what is done to them in preparation and cooking can determine weather the final dish is really good for you.
There are many cooking techniques that are naturally healthy. Sautéing, steaming, stir-frying, broiling, roasting and poaching are all great methods. When using these methods it is important to resist the temptation to add unnecessary amounts of fat and sodium to your diet.
Moderation is the key to healthy cooking. We have all heard the phrase fat is flavor, but there are many ways to impart flavor in a dish without adding fat. This is not to say all fats are bad for you. Fat is an essential nutrient that performs several functions that are vital to the body. Bad fats such as butter, lard, shortening, and margarine can increase risk of heart disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer. Fats such as olive oil, canola oil, corn oil, and avocado oil are good choices when preparing healthy foods. It is important to understand not only where our food comes from, but how the things we add to our food in every day cooking can affect our health.
- Recipes featured with this article:
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