How to turn favourite family recipes into low fat meals?
Try our simple swaps to make your much-loved recipes that little bit healthier – and why not share your own family favourites? Making family favourite meals using a low fat recipe means you can still enjoy that comfort food you crave, but as low fat meals instead! You really can have the best of both worlds and we’re here to show you how.
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When the kids are home for the weekend or the grandkids are staying, we all turn to the dishes that are old favourites, but what if you want to make these crowd-pleasers a tad healthier?
Simple things make a difference here, from choosing leaner cuts of meat to baking or grilling instead of frying. Don’t forget you can make your own version of fast-food favourites, too, to keep the youngsters happy. They’ll be tastier as well as healthier.
1. Low fat recipe for turkey pasta bake
Even the name ‘pasta bake’ is comforting, and you’ve probably made a few in your time! It’s so easy to stretch if you suddenly find yourself feeding more people, too – just add a bit more penne and you’ve got enough to feed an army...
Brownie points because: turkey is naturally low in fat. It’s also a great source of key nutrients for health, such as the B-vitamins, phosphorus, selenium and potassium, meaning it can support muscle growth and maintenance. Be sure to avoid processed types of turkey though, as these can be high in salt.
At-a-glance recipe:
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Use minced turkey instead of beef to make your favourite Bolognese.
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Stir the mince into cooked penne pasta.
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Bake in the oven for 25 minutes at gas mark 5 (190°C, 375°F) and you’re ready to tuck into your turkey pasta bake!
2. Baked potato wedges recipe
The whole world loves a chip, but homemade potato wedges are their healthier cousin. Baked potato wedges taste just as good and are a perfect healthy alternative, not to mention very easy to make. It’s time to get those potato wedges in the oven with this delicious potato wedges recipe!
Brownie points because: lower in fat than regular chips, this potato wedges recipe is with skins left on as they are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. They’re also a source of potassium, which is important for your heart health. All the more reason to make the switch!
At-a-glance recipe:
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Wash and cut medium potatoes lengthways into wedges.
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Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra tastiness.
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Bake the potato wedge in oven for 35 minutes at gas mark 6 (200°C, 400°F).
3. Healthy homemade pizza
Pizza is a surefire hit with pretty much everyone, but before you reach for the takeaway menu or a frozen version, think about making your own. There are few things better than homemade pizza, whether it be the fun of making them to the delicious end result. If you have some leftover at the end, it can be a great low fat meal lunchbox idea. If you haven’t tried healthy homemade pizza already, now is the time to try one of the best low fat meals!
Brownie points because:with the right toppings, they’re good for calcium and protein. Top your pizzas with colourful slices of peppers and other fresh veg to up the vitamin count. This is an activity for all family to get involved in some way, so have fun!
At-a-glance recipe:
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Mix up a pizza dough (flour, warm water, yeast and a little sugar and salt).
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Leave it to rise for about an hour, before rolling out and placing on an oiled baking tray.
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Add tomato sauce and the toppings of your choice.
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Bake for about 10-15 minutes at gas mark 7 (220°C, 425°F).
4. Low fat recipe for baked chicken goujons
Goujons are a grown-up take on the ubiquitous chicken nuggets, and can be finger-licking good. While it may take a few minutes longer than just putting them straight in the oven, your family will most certainly thank you later for it.
Brownie points because: chicken is not only low in fat, but has essential nutrients from vitamins and minerals like B12, iron and zinc. This helps the body produce serotonin for a feeling of wellbeing. Baked chicken goujons are also a good source of protein and a much healthier alternative to red meat...
At-a-glance recipe:
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Cut skinless, boneless chicken into goujons.
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Dip in egg white and roll in well-seasoned breadcrumbs.
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Place on a greased baking tray and put in the oven at gas mark 6 (200°C, 400°F) for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Spaghetti and meatballs - one of those family favourite meals
Italian mammas know a thing or two about family food, and this classic dish never fails to please. But you don’t have to be a great cook to make this wholesome meal of spaghetti and meatballs. This is one that simply anyone can make and that you can go back to time and time again.
Brownie points because:In addition to the meat for protein, the intense tomato sauce here is great for its antioxidant properties and vitamin C. While spaghetti and meatballs is comforting, it is also actually one of those very nutritious low fat meals that you can guarantee will satisfy pretty much any crowd. And why not check out other low fat meals for the fussy eaters?
At-a-glance recipe:
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Make homemade meatballs with either turkey or lean beef mince.
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Bake the dish in the oven rather than fry.
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Add the tomato sauce once the meatballs are browned and well-cooked.
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Serve with cooked spaghetti. And hey presto! - spaghetti and meatballs.
Make the washing up a breeze
If you’ve tried cheaper washing-up liquids over the years, you’ll know just how disappointing they can be. Even more so when you’ve fed a group of people and you want to get the washing up done as best you can as quick as you can. For this, you will need two things:
• Fairy Washing Up Liquid which lasts 50% longer than its rivals and provides deep cleaning power for your dirty dishes.
• Someone else to do the washing up! Of course, it’s only fair
Tell us your family favourite meals
What are the meals you rely on time and time again to feed the hungry hordes? What about your healthy twists on recipes?