Part 1 of 3: How to Make Healthier Meals: Meal Planning, Ingredient Substitutions, and Cooking Techniques

Healthy eating can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning, ingredient substitution, and cooking techniques, you can make delicious and nutritious meals that will make your body and taste buds happy. Here are three simple steps to help you make healthier meals.

Part 1: Meal Planning

Meal planning is the foundation of healthy eating. By planning ahead, you can avoid last-minute decisions that may lead to unhealthy choices. Start by choosing recipes that are rich in nutrients, like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Make a list of the ingredients you need and try to buy in bulk or at your local farmers' market to reduce waste and support your community.

Once you have your ingredients, plan your meals for the week. This can be as simple as jotting down what you will have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week, or using an online meal planning tool to create a more detailed plan. By planning ahead, you can ensure you have healthy options available and save time and money by reducing food waste and eating out less.

Part 2: Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make your meals even healthier, try ingredient substitutions. Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Swap out refined grains for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or whole-wheat pasta. Whole grains are packed with fiber and other nutrients that are good for your heart and digestion.
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor to your meals. Salt is high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
• Replace butter with avocado or olive oil. These oils are rich in healthy fats that can help lower your risk of heart disease.

Part 3: Cooking Techniques

Finally, cooking techniques can make a big difference in the nutritional value of your meals. Here are a few tips:

• Roasting, grilling, or sautéing vegetables can bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
• Steaming or boiling vegetables can help retain their nutrients.
• Try using a silicone microwave splatter guard mat like Duo Cover® to cook your meals in the microwave. It delivers leftovers that taste better than the first time and a sparkling clean microwave. Plus, it saves your fingers from those 'ouchie' moments when plates get hot!
• Use a reusable silicone storage bag like ZipBag® to store your meal preps, snacks, or leftovers. It's perfect for keeping your favorite snacks crisp, storing fresh produce or leftovers, bringing food on the go or cooking sous vide!
• Switch to eco-friendly alternatives like Swedish Dishcloth to replace your paper towels and cleaning cloths. Just rinse, dry, and repeat. With just one Swedish Dishcloth, you can replace 17 rolls of paper towels; plus, they're compostable.
• Use a universal lid like UniLid® to fit all shapes and sizes with food tracking. It's the perfect, eco-friendly replacement for plastic wrap.

In conclusion, making healthier meals can be simple and fun with a little planning, ingredient substitution, and cooking techniques. By making small changes and using eco-friendly products like Duo Cover®, Zip