How to Cook For a Healthy Lifestyle

What we eat has a huge effect on our overall health. Some people don't know how to prepare healthy meals or even how to read labels to find out what they should or shouldn't be eating. When making meals at home, there are many things you can do that will give you the maximum benefit of nutrition and limit the things that work in opposition to a healthy lifestyle.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid unhealthy fats such as butter and vegetable oils. When cooking with oil, use olive oil, because it is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated or "healthy" fat. Use nonstick sprays to saute food instead of frying it, and if using a spread, consider low-fat margarine instead of butter. You can also substitute foods such as plain, nonfat yogurt in place of sour cream to aid in digestion.

• 2

  Cook high-protein, low-fat foods. White-meat chicken is an excellent source of protein, along with turkey, lean beef and fish. Protein feeds the muscles and helps keep your body strong. If you want to lead a more active lifestyle, you will need more protein. Balance your protein with a lot of fruits and vegetables. The more green vegetables in your diet, the better. To flavor your meals, use herbs such as oregano, dill, basil and cilantro. Garlic and onions can add plenty of flavor to any meal and are also good for your health.

• 3

  Add fiber. Many people do not get enough fiber, which can assist with weight loss and also promotes a healthy digestive system. Women should have between 21 and 25 grams of fiber per day and men should have between 30 and 38 grams, according to the Mayo Clinic. Beans, whole grains, nuts, brown rice and lentils are good sources of fiber. You can also add a teaspoon of flaxseed to your food when you cook, which is another good way to get fiber in your diet. A healthy diet with plenty of fiber can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.