Making The Classics Healthy

The classic dishes are always the best. There's nothing like fried chicken and greens or English muffin pizzas, However most of these delicious meals and treats can be high in all sorts of bad things from refined flours to fats to salts to heaven only knows what else.Yet our faves can be redeemed by subbing in healthy ingredients and cooking techniques.

As much as we loved fried food, we know that frying is bad for us. The grease used for frying is usually bad for our cholesterol (especially if it's corn oil).Try baking instead. Baked "fried" chicken  has all the flavor and crunch if its' deep fried cousin. The crunch comes in the form of corn flakes and you can also add flax seeds for additional flavor and texture. As for the greens, stick with them, but you can saute them in olive oil and garlic for a tasty side or bake too. Burgers can also be baked or roasted in an oven.This eliminates the fat and grease.

What about those faves that everyone likes - English muffin pizzas? For one, use the whole wheat version instead of the regular kind. Also use a low fat mozzarella along with healthy toppings. Think broccoli and onions as opposed to sausage and pepperoni. An extra dollop of pizza sauce is also good because even processed tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants. You can also do the same with homemade pizza crust, using brown flour instead of white. Baked mac and cheese can be made healthier with using spelt or whole wheat macaroni and low fat cheddar. Use skim milk instead of whole, nix the bacon and add a topping of flax or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Classic comfort food is always tasty yet it's not always healthy. Change that by using healthier cooking techniques or ingredients. You can still have enjoyable food but now it's good for you.