Fit Fare

I had a huge wake up call this week.

I knew that summer was coming, but it never occurred to me that my post-pregnancy body – still 10 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight – would conflict with my ideal summer-weather clothing. Well. It does. Majorly.

I tried on shorts – they fit just right in the waist, not so much in the legs (story of my life). A pair of capris gave me a most undesireable muffin top. And the dress . . . oh how I rue the moment I thought the dress would be a good idea. The dress. It was like Dolly Parton meets Grandma from the Big Apple Circus. Not. Good.

Fortunately, we are easing into summer here in Connecticut, so I have a little time to revamp my eating and knock off a few pounds. And Campbell’s Kitchen is helping. A few weeks ago, they launched 6 Weeks to Summer, a plan for people to help stay on track as they count down to summer. You can sign up at Campbell’s Wellness to receive weekly recipes, activity tips and encouragement.

Cindy Ayers, Vice President of Campbell’s Kitchen, was nice enough to provide Fit Fare with five tips for cooking healthier. Here they are:

1. Evaluate your cooking methods: Some cooking methods, such as steaming, grilling, roasting and broiling, can be done without added fat and can yield dishes that are lower in fat and calories than frying.
2. Cut some of the fat from your favorite recipes: For recipes that call for sautéing vegetables in oil or butter, simmer them in a bit of Swanson broth instead. If you do use oil, select olive or canola oil and drain off visible fat while cooking.
3. Add flavor without the fat: Adding a variety of spices and condiments to your meals or replacing water with broth are healthful ways to add lots of delicious flavor.
4. Go whole grain: Add whole grain products to your repertoire. Use whole grain pastas and breads, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.
5. Breakfast for dinner: Cook up your favorite breakfast dishes for dinner. It will allow you to enjoy those meals you may not have time for in the morning. Whip up an egg white omelet stuffed with veggies or make French toast with whole grain bread topped with fresh fruit.

Here’s to getting healthy for summer!