Tips For Creating Lighter Italian Meals

The Healthy Way To Enjoy Italian Cuisine

Is it possible that the words 'healthy' and 'Italian cuisine' belong in the same sentence? Absolutely. Italian cooking, when done right, isn't all about bad carbs and high fat. There are ways to create hearty AND healthy Italian dishes that are good and good for you. Take a look at the following ideas for creating healthier Italian meals that will still taste great.

Healthy oils

It’s easy to reach for the unhealthy cooking oil, grease, or butter that you've been in the habit of using. That particular fat is familiar, yes, but you know it's time to change. Start substituting the old oils and fats with healthier versions such as olive oil. Not only is using olive oil authentically Italian, but olive oil also has health benefits that can reduce cholesterol and possibly combat heart disease. If you still want to use some butter, mix it with olive oil to get the best of both worlds.

Whole grain

The use of whole grain pasta is the way to go when trying to make your Italian meals healthier. Because pasta is a mainstay in many Italian meals, this one healthy choice will make a big impact. Whole grain pasta is rich in nutrients and dietary fiber. It also provides your body with loads of energy due to the good carbs that whole grain offers. Whole grain pasta also promotes a healthy digestive system, is believed to prevent certain types of cancer, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Keep the same thing in mind when choosing breads. Whole grain is definitely the healthy choice.

Fresh vs processed

Stock up on fresh vegetables and cook them properly to maintain the most nutrients. When serving cooked vegetables, grill or roast them instead of boiling them so the nutrients aren't poured down the sink when you drain them. Another fresh item that Italian cooks would never substitute is the cheese. Always choose fresh

Mozzarella over the processed shredded stuff. That also applies to the processed Parmesan or other cheeses. Choose the cheese that is fresh and whole, and cut it or shred it yourself. You will skip the additives and preservatives that way. Many dishes that call for Ricotta cheese will work well if cottage cheese is substituted, saving you some fat and calories.

Protein choices

Yes, beef and pork is found in Italian dishes, but you can choose to cut back on the amount used, or cook with the healthiest cuts and substitute other proteins, too. You may want to use ground chicken or turkey in place of ground beef or sausage when making meatballs, for instance. It's really all about the flavor, so just use the right blend of herbs and seasonings and no one will be the wiser.

 For instance, the flavor you taste in Italian sausage that is so inviting is fennel, so adding this herb to your turkey meatballs will give the taste of sausage without the sausage itself. And, remember; poultry, fish, and seafood are all high protein and low fat. If you are a vegetarian, get creative with beans, peas, and lentils. You'll find many recipes that use beans to make meatballs, for instance.

Italian cooks use plenty of fresh ingredients in their meals. It's when we start making short cuts and don't pay attention that we get in trouble with the healthy aspect of Italian cuisine. Don’t avoid Italian food, just cook like a real Italian family would – fresh and with a respect for all the wholesome foods they have to choose from.