13 tips for lowering your SmartPoints® in the kitchen
Are you over having to cook all the time? (Same!) Consider these tips and tricks your new go-to for making mealtime a cinch.
Weekly topic: Savvy swaps to reduce your SmartPoints
Banana bread. Been there, baked that. After months filled with cooking and baking... and cooking and baking some more, you’ve mastered the kitchen (or are straight out of ideas for trying). Now it’s time for a summer of savvy swaps, fresh tips, and free rein to experiment. Our SmartPoints system was created with flexibility in mind, meaning you can still enjoy your favorite foods and reach your weight and wellness goals. No matter what food you choose, enjoy them!
3 fast facts
Even before the pandemic, home cooking in the country was increasing. While there was a wide range, people were cooking an average of five dinners a week.
In April, a survey of 300 Americans found that 57% of people were cooking more and 33% were baking more due to stay-at-home orders. Many expected to keep up this pattern moving forward.
Studies show that people eating more home-cooked dinners during the week consumed fewer calories, fat, and sugar compared to those eating prepared or restaurant meals.
Try this technique
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy those favourites and cut back on SmartPoints, try one of these cooking and baking ideas this week. Bring on the savvy swaps!
Just a spritz! Use a spray bottle to minimise how much oil you’re using. A little goes a long way!
Buy parchment paper. Lining pans will cut down on the oil you’ll use - and the time spent washing up.
Do an inventory check. Non-stick pans mean you’ll need less oil. You can even find non-stick inserts, and pans that drain fat!
Spice up your life. It’s time to make friends with your (zero SmartPoints) spice rack. Try adding curry powder or smoked paprika to meat or fish, rosemary to potatoes, or cinnamon to oatmeal.
Know your herbs. If a recipe calls for fresh herbs and you only have dried ones in your cabinet, use one-third less than listed. (Both kinds are still zero SmartPoints!) And be sure to add dried herbs early in the cooking process and fresh ones near the end to maximise flavour.
The fat facts. Unsaturated fats are the way to go. Pick vegetable oils and ones that are lower in SmartPoints like olive, peanut, canola, soybean, and sunflower.
Cut the fat. (Literally.) Choose leaner cuts of meat, trim off any visible fat, and remove skin from poultry.
Brush on the flavour. When you’re cooking steaks or cutlets, add oil directly to the meat itself instead of putting it in the pan. This helps keep your meal from sticking or charring. Bonus: It’s another way to cut back on oil.
Switch your method. Ditch frying and sautéing (hello, added oils and fats) for grilling, boiling, and steaming.
Pour on the H2O. Making stir fry? If your veggies are starting to stick to the pan, adding a little water will create steam that helps speed up the cooking time without burning your meal - or adding extra SmartPoints from oil.
Make substitutions. Baking a cake? Lean on lower-SmartPoint ingredients like swapping out the butter listed in the recipe and instead use no added sugar applesauce.
Ditch the icing. Top sweet treats with sprinkles, ground ginger, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Start talking! Search for tons of great member ideas in the “Foodies,” “Recipes,” or “Got a Sweet Tooth?” Connect groups.
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