Make These 15 Healthy Food Swaps To Slim Down In No Time

Nov 26, 2018

Losing weight can be difficult when there is temptation all around you. We all know we should eat healthy foods, but restrictive diets can backfire, leading to binges and more weight gain. If impossible to resist snacks and comfort foods are your diet downfall, there is a simple answer: Food swaps! Consider this list of healthy substitutes for foods you thought you couldn't live without.

• Munch on popcorn instead of chips for the same satisfying crunch minus major calories and fat content. Popcorn also contains healthy benefits like fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants.

• Spread mustard instead of mayo on your next sandwich. Mayonnaise is high in bad fats and sugar. Mustard boasts delicious tangy flavor and drops the sugary fat.

• Eat brown rice instead of white. White rice is high in carbs and little else. Brown rice has not been stripped of nutritious vitamins, so it contains healthy fiber and minerals. Brown rice also contains manganese which helps fight obesity.

• Bake with coconut flour instead of white flour. White flour contains few nutrients, but coconut flour is packed with fiber and protein. It also has a lower carb count. Coconut flour is also safe for diabetics and people with gluten allergies.

• Use roasted mushroom caps instead of hamburger buns. Perfectly sized, these healthy alternatives drop the carbs of doughy hamburger buns.

• Spoon cacao powder instead of cocoa powder for your chocolate cravings. Cocoa powder has been stripped of nutrients while cacao is loaded with antioxidants.

• Mash cauliflower instead of potatoes. Though it boasts tons of flavor and the same fluffy texture, cauliflower is low in carbs and fat. Cauliflower also helps fight off illness with immune-boosting antioxidants.

• Sweeten with honey instead of white sugar. Honey is filled with natural vitamins and minerals. It is super sweet, so a little goes a long way.

• Sip almond milk instead of whole milk. Cow's milk has more added sugar and contains more fats than all types of plant milk. Almond milk has no cholesterol, making it a powerful heart helper.

• Curl zucchini ribbons instead of pasta. Zucchini ribbons boast the same yummy texture without the calories and carbs. Bonus: Zucchini is also high in fiber and water content, making it a great helper for feeling full after eating.

• Use oats in place of breadcrumbs. These healthy carbs add fiber and minerals to your recipes. Oats are loaded with vitamins and can help lower cholesterol.

• Drink tea instead of soft drinks. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar, calories, and artificial sweeteners while tea contains antioxidants.

• Nibble baked carrot sticks instead of French fries. Potatoes are loaded with twice as many calories as carrots. Carrots also contain vitamins A, C, and K. They might even reduce your risk for certain cancers.

• Spoon up frozen banana mash instead of ice cream. Ice cream is full of fat and sugar. Bananas are naturally sweet and creamy. Bananas also boast potassium and fiber. Bananas can help fight asthma, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Food substitutes are a great way to cut calories and add healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet. Have you tried any of these swaps? Do you love them, hate them, or have others to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below and pass this along to your friends and family!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!