Although it’s nice to dine out, especially for special occasions, most of us cook at least some of our meals at home. It’s truly the best way to control what goes into your food and avoid adding extra salt, fat or sugar that in the end can add unwanted pounds and inches. If you are interested in women’s fitness, then you are concerned about the food that you eat.
In order to cook at home, you have to start with a kitchen and some cookware. If you are in the market for some new pots and pans, I’ve put together some helpful information that can help you make the best decision for the foods you and your family enjoy eating.
Cast iron cookware is very versatile and makes food taste really good. Once seasoned, cast iron cookware can be used to sauté, grill, roast, stew, bake, and of course fry. No other cookware can rival the even heating and heat retention that cast iron is known for. Heavier than other cookware, many women prefer to have only a few pieces of cast iron to complement other light weight cookware alternatives.
Aluminum is lightweight, and very versatile. However, if your pot or pan is too light, you may experience trouble with warping. If set on a hot burner without adequate food or oil; the pan can warp from the excessive heat. To avoid this, keep food in the pan when it is on the burner, don’t allow oil to heat for too long prior to adding food and never put a hot pan into cold water. The thermal shock can cause it to warp or crack.
Stainless steel cookware is very attractive and durable. Generally more expensive than aluminum, it will usually last longer. It’s easy to clean and leaves no aftertaste to affect your finest culinary dishes. Stainless steel can be used with gas, electric or induction stoves.
Whether you choose a satin, mirror or non-stick finish depends on your own preference. Non-stick finishes mean less cleanup, as the pans will usually wipe clean with paper towels. Avoid harsh detergents on all of your cookware, not only will it remove the seasoning from cast iron, over time, it will ruin your investment. Use hot soapy water, and mild scrubbers to remove stubborn food, grease and stains. Remember that the non-stick finish requires less oil when sautéing or searing and will cut down on the amount of fat used.
Avoid cooking your food on the highest heat and try to preserve the food’s nutrients when cooking. For healthy cooking, try steaming, grilling or baking foods to reduce fat and calories.
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