Reply #4: lots of regular recipes can be altered [View All]

use non-fat or 2% milk instead of whole or cream, use lean meats instead of fatty cuts, use more veggies and less meat in recipes - substitute vegetables (squash, eggplant, mushrooms) for meat or pasta - use half the amounts of cheese in things like pizza or casseroles.

Beans are good - eat them more often, use one slice of bacon to flavor a whole big pot. Or a small hambone.

For baking you can substitute applesauce for a lot of the oil and fat in cake recipes - or search online for recipes.

Think real ethnic foods: authentic cooking from most of the world is pretty healthy - using meats and fats for flavor rather than main ingredients. Use limes and spices for seasoning instead of salt and fats.

Fruit instead of rich deserts, or use less of the rich and add fresh fruit on top so you get the pleasure and still a full "serving", but less calories. (example instead of a quart of ice cream, have a half a cup with a big pile of slice strawberries or peaches on it).