Healthy Tips from the Kitchen

Choose a lighter cream for a step in the right direction

Very few of us use whole milk anymore, but if you do, try 2% for a month or two, then gradually step down to 1%, then 1/2% – who knows, you might end up using skim and not even notice the difference!

Just be careful when cooking – the lower the fat content, the easier milk will curdle. Save the higher fat milks for sauces and “cream” soups.

1. Deep-fried food actually tends to absorb less fat than slowly pan-fried food. (Food for thought! 🙂 )
2. For omelettes, use 2 whites for every 1 yolk.
3. Next time ordering Chinese take-out,  remember these words, “Steamed, with sauce on the side, please.” You can save up to 600+ calories and still enjoy the flavor.
4. Fast-food isn’t all bad. There are only bad choices. Review the menu options at all your local drive-thrus on the internet. Each and every one seems to offer healthy selections. Learn what they are and order wisely! (Personal suggestion: the Chipolte Chicken Wrap @ McD’s!)
5. Never buy pre-ground beef. Select the leanest whole cuts you can find (Sirloin, Eye of Round, Top Round, etc….), have your butcher trim away any visible fat and grind to your specifications. You will know what you are getting.

   “Choose to loose…
   unless you’re at the casino!”

    

Egg McSomeThin’!

Had to write this post, if for no other reason than an excuse to say, “Egg McSomethin’ “, but in all honesty, I have been making this Egg McMuffin imposter for years, and it is simply delicious. You will miss nothing except a lot of fat, cholesterol, and sodium.  On the plus side there is added fiber, protein and B-vitamins. Aside from that, I prefer the taste of the homemade version. It’s somethin’ else! Please give it a try and let me know what you think.

In defense of McDonald’s muffin,  it’s not the worst choice for a fast food breakfast by any means, but if you can do a little better for the bod, why not?

 Egg McSomeThin’

1/2 100% Whole Grain or Whole Wheat English Muffin
1 extra-large cholesterol-reduced, free-range egg
1 slice reduced-fat American Cheese slice
Healthy buttery spread (Bestlife is a good one)
99% fat-free, low-sodium deli ham, shaved (approx 45 grams) – Sara Lee offers some great choices – really delicious
Salt, pepper

*Poach egg in poacher, slightly breaking yolk, set timer for 6-7  minutes, or  doneness of your choice for poached eggs
*Toast 1/2 English muffin in toaster oven, (or full muffin if not restricting caloric intake)
*When halfway toasted, remove muffin, lightly coat with buttery spread and add cheese slice. Return to oven to complete toasting and melt cheese
*Place ham in nonstick pan with a little buttery spread. Heat to sizzle. Brown a bit. Remove. Place on cheesy muffin. Top with poached egg. Add salt and pepper.
Eat. And don’t feel a moment’s guilt!