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Snacks that don't come in packets
Snacks made at home can be tasty, low-cost and easy to prepare.Try boiled eggs, mixed nuts, popcorn or sliced up fruit.
Grated cheese versus sliced cheese
Grated cheese goes further than sliced cheese and is a great option for sprinkling on pizza or pasta dishes.
Buying in bulk
If buying in bulk many fruit and vegetables can be frozen, stewed and bottled, ready to be added to a meal or dessert at a later date.
Preventing browning of fruit
Brushing a little lemon juice on cut banana, avocado or apple can prevent them from going brown.
Coconut oil
Although it is often promoted as healthy, coconut oil contains more saturated fat than butter. Plant-based oils such as canola, olive, sunflower and rice bran oils are better choices for cooking.
Low fat sour cream or cream cheese
For most recipes using sour cream or cream cheese, you can choose the low-fat versions instead – same delicious taste and lower in fat.
Retaining nutrients in vegetables
Microwaving or steaming vegetables helps to retain the nutrients. Try microwaving them with a little water until just cooked.
Colour equals variety
Eating lots of colourful fruits and vegetables can help with getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals and adds variety and interest to meal times.
Dried vs fresh herbs
Dried herbs have a stronger flavour than fresh ones. As a general rule, one teaspoon of dried herbs equals four teaspoons of fresh.
Crisping vegetables
To get your vegetables crisp, cook them first in the microwave and then crisp them under the grill.