1. Making too much food
When cooking for family and loved ones, there's a tendency to make as much as possible. While "have some more" can be a way to show love, the result is often weight gain. Mastering the right amount of food to fill your family's bellies without creating waste is a true skill.
2. Using the wrong oil
When common cooking oil exceeds its smoke point, the fatty acids in the oil begin to produce toxins, free radicals, and even trans fats. Healthier cooking oils include walnut and olive oil, as they can be used both raw and for sautéing. Oils like coconut, grapeseed, and sunflower have higher smoke points, making them suitable for frying and grilling.
3. Not using a baking sheet or rack
Baking is a great way to reduce the calorie content of a dish. In the oven, by placing beef, pork, chicken, duck, or goose on a baking sheet or on a wire rack, the fat can drip away and be filtered out during the cooking process, ensuring the dish becomes "leaner."
4. Not using seasonings
Some people believe that healthy dishes don't need seasonings, relying only on the natural flavors of sugar, salt, and the food's own fat. However, these three elements are the enemies of weight management, and you shouldn't let them dictate your palate. Seasonings like coriander might not be to everyone's taste, but herbs and spices can boost metabolism and increase vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—they should not be omitted in the cooking process.
5. Using too much oil
The correct amount of oil is just enough to act as a lubricant and prevent sticking after you pour it into the wok. If you struggle to measure it, use a spray bottle to mist the bottom of the pan.