5 Fundamental Principles of Healthy Cooking

1. Shun keeping sweets within grasp

2. Utilize the spice components

3. Restrict the preparation of meals in deeper fat

4. Advance planning and meal preparation

5. Maintain cleanliness and freshness

1. Shun keeping sweets within grasp

There are individuals who eat merely to exist, others live exclusively for food, yet there exists a third category -- persons who eat solely because they observe something to consume. At some stage in life, we've all belonged to this third category. Such instances occur in moments of stress or boredom. Sweets innocuously lying on the table, gaze at us and shout: Eat me! The hypnotic effect of sweets, their color and flavor lead us sometimes to stop at one piece, and other times to consume an entire package. Keeping tempting sweets at home invites trouble. A better option is to avoid such products in the store and not bring them home. However, when we wish to have a supply of sweets for guests, it is preferable to store them at a hard-to-reach location, to resist temptation. On the kitchen counter, it's better to keep fruits and vegetables which are less tempting, but their consumption promises a longer feeling of fullness.

2. Utilize the spice components

A child resides within all of us, yearning for a chemistry lesson where various substances are mixed, altering the hue of the mixture, its scent, and occasionally even its texture. This dream can now be realized in the kitchen, thanks to the appropriate spices. Spices do not merely enhance the flavor of food, they can also exert a significant impact on health. Numerous spices supply antioxidants – potent substances that combat destructive free radicals. The most illustrative examples are cloves, mint, and cinnamon. Certain spices, such as cayenne pepper, can stimulate postprandial thermogenesis, aid in accelerating metabolism, and maintain a lean physique. Turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger help reduce insulin levels, lead to improved insulin sensitivity, and offer protection against diabetes.

3. Restrict the preparation of meals in deeper fat

Preparing meals in deeper fat can be harmful if you don't use suitable fat, don't control the quantity of fat, don't use a suitable pan, don't pay attention to the temperature and time of cooking. It's best to avoid preparing meals in deeper fat as it's the first and biggest error people make. It can also be best to avoid using fats and oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids or cholesterol. It's safer to steam or bake meals in the oven to reduce calorie intake.

4. Advance planning and meal preparation

In urban settings or during travels, consuming low-quality and unsatisfactory products is common. In such circumstances, consuming a wholesome meal can pose a challenge or even appear unlikely. Occasional consumption of inferior items does not significantly impact the overall diet, but if such a practice becomes frequent, maintaining an appropriate figure can become more difficult. Therefore, it is worthwhile to plan and prepare meals in advance, store them in airtight containers, and bring them along, for instance, on a trip.

5. Maintain cleanliness and freshness

Preserving cleanliness in the kitchen means fewer bacteria and contaminants that could potentially infiltrate food. The kitchen is a place where maintaining cleanliness is particularly significant, as leftover food scraps can spoil quickly and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Furthermore, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen promotes healthy meal preparation.