7 Simple Tips to Make Any Meal A Healthy One (#3 Will Surprise You)

Making healthy meals comes easily to some people. You fill at least half your plate with colorful vegetables and leafy greens. You add a lean, organic protein, and perhaps some quinoa or lentils.

But you can’t eat the same thing every day, and even expert healthy dinner makers need some inspiration from time to time. Here are some good tips on how to make any meal idea just a little bit healthier.

7 Easy Tips to Healthify Any Meal

1. More Healthy Fats!

People everywhere are starting to realize that the campaign against all fat was silly. Eating fat won’t make you fat, and in fact, not getting enough can be quite bad for your health and rob your body of essential nutrients.

But somehow the idea that fat is bad still lingers in our subconscious and we forget to include it in many meals. When we do that, our body absorbs fewer vitamins, like A, D, K, and E.

Healthy fats are essential for good vision, healthy bones, and blood clotting, to name just a few. They’ve also been linked to good heart health, lower blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol. Omega-3s and Omega-6s are particularly important for your cells, muscles, and reducing inflammation.

Good examples include olive and coconut oil, avocados, seeds, nuts and salmon. Adding them to any meal is almost always a good call.

2. Make it Organic

Eating the same meal but with entirely organic ingredients is one of the easiest ways to make it healthier. Organic foods have been shown to have higher nutritional content, especially antioxidants (up to 60% more!), and much lower levels of pesticides.

3. Eat Some Foods Cooked

Some foods actually become more nutritious when you cook them. Cooked tomatoes, for instance, have more antioxidant power than raw ones.

The same is true of mushrooms, carrots, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and peppers. So roast those peppers and sauté that spinach before putting in the salad.

4. Eat Some Foods Raw

Some foods contain delicate enzymes that are easily destroyed by heat. Garlic, for instance, has a compound called allicin which is great for your immune system and DNA, but can be wiped out in less than a minute on the stove.

The same is true of fruit juice, which is much better when freshly squeezed, rather than being pasteurized, which can destroy enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins.

5. Eat Some Foods Frozen

Frozen foods have a bad reputation because your mind goes to TV dinners and other highly processed foods. But frozen fruits and vegetables can actually be better for you if they’re frozen at the right time. Frozen fruit that was picked at the peak of freshness is far better for you.

6. More Greens!

Only ¼ of Americans eat enough vegetables each day. Adding more greens is always a good call, as they are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Enjoy a side salad rather than French fries. Make your eggs an omelet with spinach and peppers. You can’t go wrong with greens.

7. Eat Less Sugar

One of the fastest ways to make a meal unhealthy is by adding refined sugar. Not only does it contribute to weight gain, it’s also terrible for your heart.

Instead of using sugar, use other spices to enhance the flavors of your meal. Use cinnamon instead of sugar in your coffee. Add raw, organic honey to sweeten up your salad.

And be careful, sugar is hidden in a lot of different things. Try to use simple ingredients or ones that you prepared yourself at home. Make your own condiments and salad dressings.

When you’re not sure what to make for dinner tonight, try to use these suggestions and enjoy a healthy meal!