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If desserts and dollops of cream go hand in hand for you then listen up. Rachel suggests that instead of pouring on that double cream replace it with yoghurt.
“Use yoghurt instead of cream to serve with desserts. The tangy flavour is no less delicious”, she says.
Now we know you might be a bit reluctant, but yoghurt is used all around the world as an addition to desserts. Just look at Greek cuisine, they love it!
Just be aware of the fat and sugar content on the side of your yoghurt pots to make sure you’re not doing exactly the same amount of damage.
2. Sugar replacements
“Use yoghurt instead of cream to serve with desserts. The tangy flavour is no less delicious”, she says.
Now we know you might be a bit reluctant, but yoghurt is used all around the world as an addition to desserts. Just look at Greek cuisine, they love it!
Just be aware of the fat and sugar content on the side of your yoghurt pots to make sure you’re not doing exactly the same amount of damage.
2. Sugar replacements
Sweet tooth? Sugar is one of the main ingredients that shoots that calorie contenting off the scale.
But thankfully Rachel says that there are a few really easy alternatives that don’t break the bank.
“Try replacing the sugar in a recipe with agave syrup, which is sweeter, meaning you have to use less. Another good sugar alternative is honey”, she advises.
Manuka honey has a whole host of healthbenefits from fighting off colds to boosting energy, so not only does it taste as good as a sprinkling of sugar (if not better), it is a million times better for your general wellbeing too.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is our go-to trick for calorie cutting. Not only does it taste absolutely amazing - hello tropical islands and eastern cuisine - but it’s also majorly good for you.
Instead of using your usual olive oil or sunflower oil, this white and solid alternative can just about half the fat content.
It also is one of the best sources of healthy medium-chain fatty acids, which can boost the immune system, speed up metabolism and some research shows that it can actually aidweight loss. Need we say more?
Our tip, always go for the raw, cold-pressed options rather than the ‘virgin’ alternatives.
But thankfully Rachel says that there are a few really easy alternatives that don’t break the bank.
“Try replacing the sugar in a recipe with agave syrup, which is sweeter, meaning you have to use less. Another good sugar alternative is honey”, she advises.
Manuka honey has a whole host of healthbenefits from fighting off colds to boosting energy, so not only does it taste as good as a sprinkling of sugar (if not better), it is a million times better for your general wellbeing too.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is our go-to trick for calorie cutting. Not only does it taste absolutely amazing - hello tropical islands and eastern cuisine - but it’s also majorly good for you.
Instead of using your usual olive oil or sunflower oil, this white and solid alternative can just about half the fat content.
It also is one of the best sources of healthy medium-chain fatty acids, which can boost the immune system, speed up metabolism and some research shows that it can actually aidweight loss. Need we say more?
Our tip, always go for the raw, cold-pressed options rather than the ‘virgin’ alternatives.
4. Fresh fruit
Rachel says that although stockpiling tinned fruit seems like a temptingly frugal idea, actually it’s a ticking tin can time bomb for calories.
“Rather than tinned fruit in syrup, instead use fresh fruits that are naturally sweet”, she says.
Yes it will go off much quicker and yes it is more of a hassle, but in the long run it will be oh so worth it.
“Rather than tinned fruit in syrup, instead use fresh fruits that are naturally sweet”, she says.
Yes it will go off much quicker and yes it is more of a hassle, but in the long run it will be oh so worth it.
5. Less butter
Now it’s your turn to rebel against the recipes. Rachel says not to be afraid of adjusting things and as she's a celebrity chef, you know it’s OK to do.
“If a recipe calls for a certain amount of cream or butter, don’t be afraid to simply use less when you make it. The flavour can be almost as good”, she says.
“If a recipe calls for a certain amount of cream or butter, don’t be afraid to simply use less when you make it. The flavour can be almost as good”, she says.
6. Get grilling
Rachel says that a really simple way to cut out those calories is to change the way you cook your food.
“Instead of frying something, try grilling instead which uses less oil”, she explains.
Splurging a little on a grilling machine is an unbelievably good investment for future goodhealth.
Not only does your food feel a whole let greasy, you’ll eliminate those extra calories, which come from cooking with oil (unless it’s coconut oil, remember).
“Instead of frying something, try grilling instead which uses less oil”, she explains.
Splurging a little on a grilling machine is an unbelievably good investment for future goodhealth.
Not only does your food feel a whole let greasy, you’ll eliminate those extra calories, which come from cooking with oil (unless it’s coconut oil, remember).
7. Make fish your friend
Another handy little swap is to just trade in your meat for your fishy friends instead.
Rachel says: “Rather than using meat as the main ingredient in a recipe, use fish instead, it usually has much less fat and is full of other essential nutrients.”
If you’re not a major fan of fish go for the lesser offensive options like cod or salmon.
Oily fish is an incredible source of Omega 3which has untold health benefits and actually is cheaper than meat. It all makes sense.
Rachel says: “Rather than using meat as the main ingredient in a recipe, use fish instead, it usually has much less fat and is full of other essential nutrients.”
If you’re not a major fan of fish go for the lesser offensive options like cod or salmon.
Oily fish is an incredible source of Omega 3which has untold health benefits and actually is cheaper than meat. It all makes sense.
8. Apple sauce
Something you might not have thought about is how to cut the calories when you’re baking.
Rachel says: “When you’re baking, replace some of the butter or oil in a recipe with apple sauce which will keep the cakes moist.”
Plus you’ll get the added flavour.
There are around 100 calories in every tbsp so just think of how much you could be saving!
Rachel says: “When you’re baking, replace some of the butter or oil in a recipe with apple sauce which will keep the cakes moist.”
Plus you’ll get the added flavour.
There are around 100 calories in every tbsp so just think of how much you could be saving!
9. Milk it
A well known thickening ingredient is cream but Rachel says try to steer clear.
"Rather than adding cream to a soup, try using milk instead", she suggests.
So if you're cooking a curry or just making your own soup, you can forget about having to cope with a load of calories. By replacing cream with milk you'll save about 100 calories per 100grams.
It all adds up!
10. Shallow fry
"Rather than adding cream to a soup, try using milk instead", she suggests.
So if you're cooking a curry or just making your own soup, you can forget about having to cope with a load of calories. By replacing cream with milk you'll save about 100 calories per 100grams.
It all adds up!
10. Shallow fry
Deep frying things is a fast track to way to fatland. But eating healthily (well healthier) doesn't mean you have to give that all up.
“Lots of recipes that call for deep frying can be shallow-fried instead, which uses significantly less oil”, says Rachel.
Obviously just make sure you don't overdo it! Happy healthy eating.
“Lots of recipes that call for deep frying can be shallow-fried instead, which uses significantly less oil”, says Rachel.
Obviously just make sure you don't overdo it! Happy healthy eating.