12 Ways to Make Cooking at Home Even Healthier

We all know that cooking our own food is healthier than buying take-out and pre-packaged foods. But we have a few ways that I've learned over the years from my job as a professional chef to make home cooking even better for you while still tasting delicious.

These 12 incredible tips and tricks will help make cooking at home even healthier without sacrificing flavor. These culinary hacks can easily be incorporated into your daily cooking routine. They are simple and quick and will make your home-cooked meals amazingly delicious and nutritious.

So, stop ordering food to be delivered to your house and quit eating those terrible freezer meals. You can do so much better! And here is how.

Reduce Salt and Use Herbs and Spices for Flavor

Cutting back on salt doesn't mean your food has to be bland! Rather than loading up on sodium and adding tons of salt to your foods, try boosting flavor with fresh or dried herbs, spices, and citrus zest. Garlic, cumin, basil, and paprika are just a few great options that can make your food even more delicious than ever.

Add a little fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes, which can add brightness and heat without needing extra salt. Experiment with seasoning blends and find the combo that brings out the best in your meals and one that you can't resist.

With so many incredible herbs and spices worldwide, you will never get tired of eating the same old thing!

Add More Vegetables to Every Dish

Vegetables are like a secret weapon for healthy cooking. They are super nutritious and also add so much interest to any meal.

Toss a handful of spinach into pasta, mix zucchini into your stir-fry, or add bell peppers to scrambled eggs. Veggies add color and flavor while packing your meals with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Frozen veggies work just as well if you're short on time.

Aim to make veggies the star of your plate, and your body will thank you!

Swap Out Sugar for Natural Sweeteners

Refined sugar sneaks into so many recipes. Take a look at any pre-packaged food, and you will probably find sugar on the ingredient list. But, when you cook at home, you can easily swap processed white sugar for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even just mashed fruit.

For baking, try using ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar to cut back on the refined, added sugar while keeping the sweetness. These tasty natural alternatives will satisfy your sweet tooth and make your food taste delicious.

They come with extra nutrients, like antioxidants and fiber, that white sugar just doesn't have. They also add a depth of flavor and interest that sugar can't match!

Choose Lean Proteins

Ditch those fatty meats and go for lean proteins like chicken breast, fish, turkey, tofu, or legumes. These healthy proteins are lower in saturated fats, making them a healthier meal choice.

When choosing meats, go for skinless cuts and then try to trim any visible fat by hand. If you're cooking fish, opt for grilling or baking instead of frying to keep it light.

Plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas are also great protein sources, adding fiber and nutrients to your meals with less fat. When you make your own meals, you can easily use these healthy proteins that are much better for you than fatty, red meats.

Bake, Grill, or Steam Instead of Frying

Frying adds unnecessary fats and calories that you just don't want. But baking, grilling, or steaming keeps the flavor of the food without the excess oil.

Baking keeps your food crispy without drenching it in oil and fats, while grilling adds a nice smoky flavor with almost no additional fat. Steaming is perfect for veggies and fish as it locks in nutrients and moisture without any extra calories.

These methods are easy to switch to and make a world of difference for healthier meals.

Opt for Homemade Sauces and Dressings

Store-bought sauces and dressings are often packed with added sugars, sodium, and preservatives. You don't want to be eating that! Especially when it is so easy to whip up your own at home using simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, or yogurt.

Homemade pesto, salsa, or vinaigrette can be made in minutes and tailored to your taste. You'll be amazed at how much flavor you can get when you make your own dressings without all those extra preservatives and unnecessary ingredients.

Use Whole Grains

Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats are more nutritious than their refined counterparts. They all contain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals because they use the whole grain kernel.

Substituting white rice for brown or using whole-wheat bread and whole-grain pasta keeps your meals filling and nutrient-dense.

Whole grains also have a richer, nuttier flavor that adds a little something extra to your dishes. This is such an easy switch, and it will surely make your meals taste incredible while being healthier.

Cook with Olive Oil or Avocado Oil

Switching to healthier fats like olive oil or avocado oil can make a big difference. These oils are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can reduce inflammation and even help improve cholesterol levels.

Use olive oil for sautéing or drizzling over salads, and avocado oil works great for high-heat cooking like grilling or roasting. They're both versatile and add a delicious, subtle flavor to your meals.

Ditch that unhealthy canola oil or vegetable oil, and stick with the good fats!

Incorporate Plant-Based Meals

Adding a few plant-based meals to your weekly menu is an easy way to boost nutrition and lower saturated fat intake. Dishes centered around beans, lentils, tofu, or tempeh are loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

You don't have to go full vegetarian, but just a few meatless meals a week can improve heart health and boost your digestive system.

Plant-based meals are also often budget-friendly, which makes them an even more tempting choice! Could it get any better than that?

Choose Low-Fat Dairy or Dairy Alternatives

If you're a dairy lover, switching to low-fat versions of milk, yogurt, and cheese can help reduce your saturated fat intake by a lot. Look for options labeled “reduced-fat” or “light,” and try dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk if you want something different.

These alternatives are often fortified with calcium and vitamins, and they're great for smoothies, baking, or even just in your morning coffee.

Snack on Fruits, Nuts, or Seeds

When hunger strikes, skip the chips and reach for nutrient-packed snacks like fruits, nuts, or seeds. A handful of almonds or sunflower seeds, an apple, or some berries can satisfy cravings while providing vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber.

These nutritious little snacks will keep you feeling full longer and help avoid the sugar crash that comes with processed snacks.

Try making your own roasted nuts with tasty herbs and spices, or just eat them raw!

Control Portion Sizes by Pre-Plating Meals

Controlling portion sizes doesn't mean depriving yourself of food. It just means being more mindful of how much you're eating.

A great way to do this is to try pre-plating your meals instead of eating directly from pots or bags. Use smaller plates to help visually control portions and make your plate look fuller.

You should also pack leftovers immediately to avoid going for seconds out of habit. This simple trick can help you avoid overeating while still enjoying your meals!