1. 5 Ways to Make Recipes Healthier
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2. Tips for Healthier Cooking
REDUCE the quantity of an ingredient
SUBSTITUTE one ingredient
for another
OMIT an ingredient
ALTER the cooking method
ADJUST the portion size

3. Reduce fat and sugar
Use half butter, shortening or oil and replace the other half with unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana or prune puree
Reduce sugar by 1/3 to 1/2
Reduce cheese half portions
Most recipes can easily be modified with less fat and sugar. Removing a fraction of helps to reduce calories in a baked good. Reducing the amount of cheese in a recipe also reduces calories and fat, thus making it healthier.

4. Make healthy substitutions
Whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta
Add whole wheat flour in baked goods
Lower-fat meat, such as ground turkey, instead of ground beef
Healthier substitution choices are usually lower in calories and fat. Whole wheat pasta is a better choice since it is a complex carbohydrate. Apple sauce is fewer calories and fat, thus lowering the fat content of a baked good, like a muffin or cake. Lean ground turkey is much lower in fat and calories and better for you than red meat.

5. Leave out an ingredient
Leave out some items like:
Olives
Butter
Nuts
Frosting
Syrup
Coconut
Often times, high fat coconut or chopped nuts can be omitted from recipes without sacrificing the recipe. These ingredients add extra fat and calories. Consider using only one or finding a lower calorie and/or fat replacement in a recipe. Instead of adding one cup of chocolate chips, just a teaspoon or tablespoon can be sprinkled on top.

6. Change the method of preparation
Braising
Broiling
Grilling
Steaming
Non stick pans
Replace sautéing in butter or oil with cooking spray or olive oil
Implement different cooking methods using less fat or no fat. Use herbs and spices instead high fat butter. Spray or brush olive oil on proteins. Grilling or sauteing enhances flavors of foods.

7. Change the portion size
Reduce the portion size of recipes that are too high in sugar and fat.
Recipes that are still too high in sugar or fat may still be eaten, but moderately in smaller portions. It is okay to indulge and enjoy favorite recipes as long as you are eating appropriate sizes. When dining in high fat and calorie restaurants with large portions, share an entrée to keep calories, sugar and fat in check.