Changing Habits: Food #Dieting Week 4

Oh yes, I am SO guilty of the McDonald’s run for lunch and sometimes dinner. I love me that greasy fried chicken and that saucy pasta. This is probably were the change is most noticeable for anyone trying to lose a few pounds or just get into healthier habits.

Now, I know if I deprive myself of my fried foods I'm not going to be a happy camper and I’d likely fall off the diet wagon sooner rather than later. So my motto all in proportion; find out the calorie count and instead of having what you really desire as a overflowing plate fit for a family of four for just your dinner; have half or a quarter of it.

A trick a friend taught me recently I have really appreciated. I love fried chicken as opposed to baked – though baked isn’t bad. But there really is nothing like a nicely fried wing or drumstick. So she gave me this advice:

• Use about two tablespoons of oil (or a tad more if you are frying a lot of meat) and use about ¾ cups of water. 
• Place both in a pot (a pot not a skillet because the contents will rise in a boil) and make sure *both are at room temperature* do not under any circumstances heat the oil before you add the water.
• Combine both room temperature oil and water into the pot. 
• Add the meat. 
• Bring pot to a boil.
• The boiling water will essentially poach the meat, thoroughly cooking it and when the water evaporates it leaves the oil at the bottom which will give the meat a gentle fry. 
• Then remove the meat and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

This process reduces the amount of oil absorbed by the meat and while not as healthy as baking; it will satisfy the craving for fried foods while reducing the grease consumption overall. However, whenever possible baking of course if preferred but changing ones eating habits is a process and this could be step one.