Food Substitutions: How To Eat Healthy In 2014
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Fruits can be a great substitution for syrup when it comes to breakfast foods like waffles or pancakes (TaraDSturm / Flickr).
Here are a few healthy substitutions you can make in your next meal to get a kick-start on keeping your resolution this 2014.
Fruit: The Syrup-and-Toppings Substitute
Fresh fruit is a convenient and healthy addition to any meal. Instead of topping your pancakes and waffles with pools of syrup in the morning, opt for fresh slices of bananas or an assortment of berries instead.
Pieces of fresh fruit are also great toppings when it comes to yogurt. You can still have your favorite sprinkles, but adding strawberries and blueberries will provide a more nutritious—and still delicious—indulgence.
Avocado: Mayo, It’s Time to Move Over
Introducing avocado, your newest go-to spread for sandwiches. Instead of using globs of mayo in your turkey sandwich, opt for avocado. Though its green hue may not make it look appetizing, avocado actually has a lot of health benefits, including heart health and the prevention of cancer in the mouth, skin and prostate gland.
Check out some recipes for sandwiches utilizing this avocado spread.
Baked zucchini fries provide a salty and satisfying alternative to French Fries or potato chips (Will Folsom / Flickr).
Potato chips and French Fries embody comfort snacks, but swap out these salties for some crispy veggies. Kale chips, zucchini fries and baked avocado fries are still tasty and will satisfy your snack craving without packing on the pounds (and leave you feeling bloated from all the salt).
Greek Yogurt: The Ultimate Dip
The popularity of Greek yogurt has been on the rise since 2011 and has since shown no signs of slowing. This type of yogurt—which is a variation of yogurt that’s found in the Greek Isles and contains more additives than regular yogurt—is considered more filling and nutritious than other “watered-down” yogurts and can serve as a useful substitute for sour cream. Yes, that means dipping your carrot sticks and celery stalks in Greek yogurt instead of in sour cream or dressing. While you’re at it, you can also infuse Greek yogurt (instead of mayo) into your salads for a healthier meal.
Starch Staple?: Cooking with Cauliflower
Instead of having rice or bread as your main starch in every meal, why not include cauliflower? Considered the “it” veggie of 2014, cauliflower can be substitute for rice to make an equally delicious side dish.
Lettuce wraps, made with a variety of ingredients, can be a healthy and satisfying meal (TheHungryDudes / Flickr).
Lettuce wraps or lettuce cups can be found as appetizers at many restaurants, but these healthy and delicious meals can easily be made in your own kitchen. Just swap out the traditional tortillas and add meat, garlic, some veggies and voila … your own, customized meal.
Spaghetti Squash: Saying “No” to Noodles
Spaghetti squash might seem to be unlikely substitute for noodles in pasta dishes or Pad Thai, but it can be a healthier option that doesn’t scrimp on taste. Spaghetti squash is also useful because of its health benefits, including beneficial carbohydrates and and is a great source of fiber.
Looking for other healthy substitutes? Buzzfeed might have some creative ideas for you.
