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Becoming a healthy cook is catching on in waves. All you need is fresh ingredients and some great techniques. Everyone should be concerned about nutrition as poor nutrition leads to illness and disease.

I would like to encourage you to start with the freshest ingredients you can. Use whole grains, limit your use of salt, use fresh herbs instead. Sugar and its effects are frightening. Use honey, which is loaded with vitamins or try sugar substitutes. Include a salad with at least one of your meals everyday. Try serving different varieties of fish more often. I hate to mention this one, cut back on your red meat and your intake of pork, especially bacon. Eat turkey and chicken more often. Always have fresh vegetables and fruit on hand for snacks. Have fresh fruit for desert too. Serve water with your meals.

Now on to techniques. There are several I shall list for you and i am sorry but frying is not on the list. Instead try these methods.

Baking. Besides breads and deserts, you can bake sea food poultry and lean meats. Baking will not require you to add fat. Baste occasionally so food doesn't dry out.

Braising. Braising involves browning first and slowly cooking in a broth. Very easy. Very tasty.

Broiling or Grilling. This method is wonderful. The fat just drips away from your food.

Poaching. When poaching food, gently simmer in a flavorful liquid, or juice until tender.

Roasting Like baking, but at a higher temperature. Place a rack inside the pan and excess fat will just drip away.

Sauteing. Sauteing quickly cooks small bits of food. Use a broth instead of oil, in your pan.

Steaming. Steaming is very simple. Place food in a perforated basket suspended above a flavored liquid.

Stir frying. Stir frying will quickly cook small sized pieces of food while you rapidly stir. Only a small amount of oil is needed for this method.

Herbs and Spices. Using these is one of the nicest ways to add color, taste and a wonderful aroma to foods. Make sure your herbs are fresh and add them toward the end of cooking.

Well there you have it. Use the freshest ingredients you can. Give all the techniques a try and see which you like best. Being a healthy cook is not hard, but it will be appreciated.

Learn more about this author, Deirdre Field.
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