Build Healthy Habits in the Kitchen With These 5 Vegetarian Cooking Tips

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Learn how to incorporate delicious vegetarian cooking practices into your cooking routine with tips from the Catskill Animal Sanctuary.

Chef Linda-Soper Kolton of Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s Compassionate Cooking program and Chef Sara Boan, formerly of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, provide simple vegetarian cooking guidelines for an enhanced cooking experience.

1. Focus on whole, plant-based foods.

Choose the foods closest to their freshly harvested state to ensure you get the most nutrients for your money. Unlike processed foods, which often have gut-healthy fiber removed and added sugar, salt, and oils, whole foods are rich in fiber and a variety of nutrients.

2. Choose organic products where it matters most.

Each year, the Environmental Working Group publishes a list of its “Dirty Dozen,” the twelve fruits and vegetables that are the most heavily sprayed with pesticides. By going organic, you will dramatically reduce your exposure to commercial farming chemicals and vote with your wallet to encourage more organic food production.

3. Emphasize adding healthier foods, rather than eliminating less healthy foods.

Generously fill your plate with salads, sautéed or roasted vegetables, bean and cereal dishes, and fresh fruit. By adding more healthy foods, you will naturally and easily displace foods that you may want to avoid. Your food plate only has a limited space, so fill it with beautiful and delicious plant foods to get the most out of your real estate.

4. Embrace adventure!

Aim to try new fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans each week, which will broaden your culinary palate. You may even find a new favorite food! Not sure what to do with certain ingredients? A simple Google search will yield many tempting recipes to try.

5. Make changes gradually and be kind to yourself.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were healthy lifestyle changes. Unlike diets, which require strict rules, adding healthier foods doesn’t have to mean deprivation. Try new foods, experiment in the kitchen, and be kind to yourself as you learn and grow. With love and kindness at the forefront, you can’t go wrong!