Whether you're still coming up with a resolution for the new year, or just waiting to kick your plan into high gear, there's no better time than now to start. One of the most popular resolutions is always “Eat Healthy!” Unfortunately, that's often easier said than done.
With so many different diets out there that tend to confuse and contradict each other, it seems like a daunting task to improve your eating habits. Bread or no bread? Cut out red meat? Only consume certain types of fats? It shouldn't be this hard to eat better.
Heartland Rep's Corporate Chef, David Ford has some tips to make healthier eating easier, and it starts with a few substitutions in your normal diet.
"My personal belief is to eat what you want," Chef David says. "Just be smart about it. It will be much easier to adhere to your resolution by making some simple adjustments to cut back on calories and unnecessary fats. And as always, practice makes perfect!"
When cooking, consider these adjustments from Chef:
"Start with getting rid of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Only use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Adding fresh citrus juice or vinegar add flavor and a lightness to dishes. I also look to substitute fatty ingredients like mayonnaise with greek yogurt and choose whole grain options for flour, breads, rice, and pastas."
When you start with just a few items like these, it makes a huge difference. Being
aware of options will also help you look for other substitutions you can make in all of your meals.
Check out a few of Chef's recipes he uses at home to get started on your own path to healthier eating.
The Thai Noodle salad with grilled salmon is one of my wife’s favorites and by switching a few ingredients from the traditional version, it makes it a much healthier dish.
If you have any questions about recipes, crafting a healthier menu, or available equipment that can help you reach your goals for the new year, schedule some time to meet with Chef and the rest of our team.