Kitchen Resolutions (Part 2)

Here are other simple ways of making your diet a little healthier (without resorting to eating carrot sticks and broiled chicken).

6. Buy higher omega-3 eggs if you can find them. So they’re a little cheaper, but unless you eat that many eggs, then you’ll only be shelling out (pun intended) about three dollars extra a month.

7. Switch from butter to a no- or low-trans-fat margarine with 8 grams of fat per tablespoon for cooking. Today’s brands are pretty excellent substitutes even for baking (note that they have a little more water content). Once in a while you can still use butter, especially if it’s the main source of flavor.

8. Use seasoning/spice blends instead of salt, especially in stews or casseroles.

9. Select leaner meats. This cuts back onsaturated fat, cholesterol, and calories too. Since some lean meats tend to be tough, use a meat tenderizer, pound it, or marinate it.

10. Include beans in your dishes — they’re delicious in salads, casseroles, and stews. They’re great extenders and add fiber, protein, and powerful phytochemicals.