How to Cook Healthy Meals

Incorporate leafy greens into your meal.

Eating healthy is key to good health, and may also help you lose weight. It is important to eat a balanced diet. Always make sure you have a variety of colors on your plate. Meals should include foods from each food group, in proper proportion.

Instructions

1. Shop at a store that caters to healthy eating. Stock up on preservative-free, organic food.

2. Keep enough food on hand to make at least three healthy meals. Once a week, find healthy recipes in cookbooks or online. Buy ingredients for your three meals at the market.

3. Simplify your cooking. Broil, bake or boil meats and vegetables, rather than frying.

4. Take shortcuts in cooking. Use a rice cooker or crock pot to cook an entire meal at once. Keep fruits and veggies that are washed and cut in your freezer.

5. Use additives sparingly. Find a low-sodium rub or healthy marinade for meat. Flavor vegetables with olive oil, a squirt of lemon and fresh pepper, rather than salt and butter.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit your intake of pre-packaged, preservative-laden prepared meals.

Resources

• WebMD: Benefits of Eating Healthy
• Food Pyramid