Maybe you’re trying to drop a few pounds, renew your energy, or just wanting to move forward with better healthy eating (rather than trying something more serious like a detox, cleanse or juice diet).  Whatever your motivation, these easy tips to lighten up and make healthy recipes will convert favorite comfort dinner recipes into healthier options that still taste great! Stock the Pantry with Healthier Options When buying canned vegetables, stocks or sauces, be sure to choose reduced-sodium or low-sodium versions; this simple step will go a long way in reducing sodium intake and making dishes healthier (and be sure to rinse and drain canned goods to decrease the sodium content even more). Remember that whole-grain pasta, bread crumbs, as well as brown or wild rice can be healthier, more filling, and as simple to prepare as the plain white options. Cut Away the Fat Everyone agrees that cooking poultry with the skin on helps lock in the scrumptious flavor; however, be sure to remove the skin before eating and save some serious calories. Trim any excess fat off of roasts (whether beef or pork) as well. Fat Fear Choose healthier fats, like the unsaturated fats in olive oil and grapeseed oil which work well for cooking and make a good replacement for butter. Oils can also be high in calories, though, so use sparingly (save 100 calories for each tablespoon of oil or butter you omit from a recipe).  If using oil to grease a skillet, try using an oil mister or oil spray to give you just enough coverage without the excess. Save the Skin – On veggies, that is. Always be sure to wash fresh fruits and vegetables well; but leaving the skins on potatoes and apples, especially, gives you the benefit of nutrients and fiber found in the skins.  (This is great to keep in mind when making mashed potatoes, potatoes au gratin or other potato dishes, apple desserts and salads). Healthier Cooking Methods – Try sticking to healthy recipes that require stir-frying or grilling, which require little added fat; grilling even allows fat to drip away from ingredients. For vegetables, oven roasting is super easy, preserves nutrients in the food, and highlights the natural flavors. Steaming is another healthy way to prepare food; try using broth instead of water next time for some added flavor. Crying for Cream? – No need to give up creamy flavors completely or always settle for fat-free dairy products. Try using smaller portions of the real thing or reduced-fat dairy.  In addition, many times buttermilk, low-fat sour cream, or fat-free plain Greek yogurt can make terrific substitutes for butter or cream and still work well when thickening sauces or soups. Great Grains – While you may think of brown rice and quinoa primarily as side dishes, try incorporating them in other dishes for a nutritious blend. Cooked quinoa can be used instead of bread crumbs the next time you’re mixing up meatballs or meatloaf.  Soups, stews, and tacos can be enriched with cooked grains like barley or wild rice.  And any leftover cooked plain grain turns into a nutritious breakfast when you add milk and cinnamon and re-heat. Fresh Seasoning - Add some of your favorite fresh chopped herbs to any dish for added flavor and health benefits.  Many fresh herbs and seasonings contain vitamins, minerals and powerful anti-oxidants. Check out these healthy recipes on Dish Dish.  And remember you can always view recipes on Dish Dish by categories such as allergy or health concern as well (i.e. gluten-free, dairy-free, diabetic friendly, heart healthy, etc). Be sure to save all your favorite recipes on Dish Dish with your own online cookbook account or our Digital Recipe Album, finding your favorite recipes in one place along with your shopping list and menus, easy to access when at home or on the go. We would love to hear if you have other hacks for making healthy recipes.  And please share us with others if you enjoyed these ideas.