Introduction to healthier cooking

I am trying to increase the amount of veggies and fruits (and fiber) to my diet while reducing the total calories and salt. Sometimes it seems overwhelming, but as my tastebuds adjust, I find it gets easier. I have several tips, but none will work if you aren't motivated enough to give up your bad habits for at least five days a week:
Fridays are my cheat day - or at least I get to give myself a break - alcohol, sugar, fatty treats, etc are allowed.
Eat a piece of fruit in the morning and another in the afternoon - apples and oranges seem to be my favoritem nostly because I can buy many of them and they last a while without getting overripe or mushy.
I also love the little $2.00 steamer that fits in a lidded pot. On mondays I have time in the afternoon to steam tons of veggies until they're mostly done. Then they're ready for oven roasting, soups, dipping, or whatever I want. I like the Ziploc brand steamers, too.
I recently bought the new book "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan. I haven't read it yet. But the book addresses one of my bigest pet peeves regarding the modern diet of processed, fake-tasting, convenience food. And I am an eater!


Easy Cauliflower Bake
4-6 cups cauliflower, about a head
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning, any flavor
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Steam cauliflower florets until just al dente - they should still be firm. This can be done up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. No time to steam? You can also use frozen cauliflower too, just let it thaw first in a colander. Toss with breadcrumbs and seasoning to coat evenly.



Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. I used a small broiler pan. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the whole thing and bake for 10-15 minutes.







The cauliflower should just be getting golden brown on the edges. If you didn't drain the vegetables enough, it'll take too long to brown, or might not brown at all. That's okay, next time consider toasting the breadcrumbs separately (in a small pan on the stove).


I hope you enjoy this as I do - I guess it could make four servings if you're using it as a side dish for a sit down dinner. You can eat in on the couch while blogging if you want to be like me. Confession? I added too much spicy seasoning to mine tonight