Monday, November 21, 2011

Tips for reducing fat

Here are some tips for reducing fat in your diet. Most allergy kids need the extra fat, but I am posting the tips for me, and for my sweet niece who finds herself needing to make dietary restrictions.
So, here are some fat reducing tips:
  • Use non stick pans, so that you do not need to add extra oil.
  • Sautee vegetables in vegetable stock instead of oil.
  • Oil in salad dressings can be replaced with vegetable stock.
  • Puree a potato and add to homemade soups in place of the cream. You can also use low fat yogurt.
  • Sauces and gravies are usually made with fat, flour, and liquid. To omit the fat, toast the flour in a dry pan on medium heat until it is lightly browned. Add the liquid and any seasonings. Whisk to remove lumps, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
  • In baking, recipes can call for up to a cup of oil. Try reducing it to 1/3 cup. Applesauce, pureed banana, or pumpkin can also be used to replace oil. Pureed prunes are good for chocolate, spice, and carrot cakes.
  • Season vegetables with spices and fresh herbs rather than butter or margarine.
  • Broil meat, so fat drains away as it cooks.
  • Beware of low-fat claims on packaged foods. Read labels instead, for actual fat content.
  • Poach fish or chicken. Always remove skin.
  • Avoid over-cooking vegetables so they retain their flavors.
  • Use small amounts of strong, hard cheese rather than large amounts of mild cheeses.
  • Use egg substitutes in baking, or two egg whites for each egg the recipe calls for.
  • Boil potatoes, spray lightly with oil, and then crisp in the oven.
  • Tenderize lean cuts of meat with marinades as they can be tougher than fatty cuts.
  • Eat more vegetarian meals.
  • When making frostings, replace the butter or margarine with marshmallow creme.

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