Simple Changes

Sometimes, a few simple changes can make big improvements in our health. Here are some changes recommended in the March 20, 2007 issue of the Harvard Medical School Newsletter.

• Instead of butter, solid margarine or lard, try olive or canola oil, or margarine without trans fats.

• Instead of cream-based sauces, try tomato-based sauces.

• Instead of refined cereals, try whole grain cereals.

• Instead of white pasta, try whole-wheat pasta.

• Instead of smoked, cured, salted or canned meat or fish, try fresh or frozen meat or fish, without added salt.

• Instead of sugared soda or juice, try water or a mixture of juice and sparkling water.

• Instead of fries or onion rings, try roasted vegetables.

• Instead of dips high in saturated fats, try hummus, peanut butter or seasoned low-fat yogurt.

• Instead of chocolate chip cookies, try graham crackers or oatmeal cookies.

• Instead of fried foods, try grilled, broiled, steamed, poached or roasted foods.

• Instead of skipping breakfast, eat oatmeal, whole-grain breads or bran cereals.

These easy-to-make changes can make a big difference in your own health and vitality as well as that of your family. Bon appétit!