6 Tips for Healthy Low-Fat Cooking

4 minutes

Although eliminating fats completely from our diet isn't recommendable, it's important to moderate how much of it we eat and, most importantly, to choose to eat

Reviewed and approved by the pedagogue in physical education and nutritionist Elisa Morales Lupayante.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Excessive fat consumption is one of the main obstacles getting in the way of those dreaming of a controlled and healthy weight. Low-fat cooking is key in order to eliminate extra fat.

The main issue is that we ignore the fact that they’re in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis and, to make things worse, we don’t measure out portions nor consider fattening cooking methods.

This is why our diets often fail and, despite exercising, we struggle to get the results we want.

However, to get on the right track, trying out some tips that’ll help us cook healthier makes for a great start.

In this article, we’ll share the 6 best tips for low-fat cooking.

Let’s get started!

1. Substitute ingredients

Have you ever checked out the quality of the ingredients that you use to cook? Do you know what kinds of fats they have and how much of them they contain?

Well, if you haven’t already, you might be in for a big surprise.

Fortunately, you have the chance to substitute them for healthier options because there are lots of ingredients that have lower calories and fat content.

Suggestions:

If you’re used to using animal fats, replace them with margarine– preferably with a “light” or “low-fat” variety.
Check the labels choose those that are made with sunflower or canola oil.
Instead of using hydrogenated vegetable oils, opt for healthy options like olive, avocado and sunflower oil.
Avoid milk and derivatives. Try skim milk or vegetable milks.

Also see: 5 Ideal Foods to Cleanse Your Colon

2. Use alternative cooking methods

We already know that fried foods are easy to prepare and they’re quite tasty.

Unfortunately, it’s a cooking method that requires oils or fats which implies an “extra” load of fat.

Suggestions:

Instead of frying, try boiling, steaming or baking as many dishes when possible.
When preparing meats, and some vegetables, you can also opt for grilling.

3. Skim fat off broths

Although we recommend that you only make broth from vegetables, if you choose to make a chicken or beef broth, skim off the layer of fat that usually forms on the surface of the liquid.

Suggestions:

Wait for the broth to cool completely and when you can see the solidified fat, skim it off with a spoon or sieve.
Another simple trick consists in preparing the broth a day before and freezing them. You’ll be able to remove the fat easily the next day before reheating.

We recommend that you read: Dangers of Instant Soups

4. Make lighter stir-fries

Tradition or cultural preferences have taught many of us to prepare stir-fries with high quantities of margarine or vegetable oils.

However, we can make lighter stir-fries by using a minimum amount of olive oil.

Suggestions:

Heat a fry-pan over low heat and when it’s ready, add garlic, onion and other ingredients.
Immediately after, splash them with a dash of olive oil and stir for 3 or 5 minutes.

5. Limit your meat intake

Including meats in your diet isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s recommended in order to meet the daily protein requirements.

The problem is that many people eat them in exaggerated portions and even if they eat small quantities, they choose the ones with harmful fats.

Suggestions:

Measure out meat portions that you eat daily. Choose lean meats.
Even though there will always be some hidden fat in the meat, lean meats are the healthiest option.
Avoid cooking methods that use oils or added fats.
If you choose to roast or bake dishes, let the fat drain for several minutes before serving.
Prepare with minimal salt or use spices for seasoning.

6. Avoid commercial dressings and sauces

At the supermarket, we can find a wide variety of dressings and sauces that promise to make our favorite dishes even tastier.

While it might be true that they can add more flavor, many of them are made with oils and added chemicals that aren’t so healthy.

Suggestions:

You might love their flavors, but try to stay as far away from these products as you can.
Make your own homemade sauces, using 100% organic ingredients.
There are dozens of dressing recipes that don’t contain oils.
Dress your meats and stews with spices or lemon juice.

Want to improve your diet and limit your fat intake? If so, or if you want to loose weight, keep these recommendations in mind and start cooking healthier today.