Incorporating small, sustainable changes to your diet is often more effective than attempting drastic changes. Gradual adjustments make maintaining a healthy eating pattern easier in the long run. It’s important to enjoy everything in moderation and not to cut out your favorite foods completely. Making healthy swaps in your everyday diet is an easy, more manageable way to create a healthier diet. Try incorporating a few of these healthy swaps into your diet this year!
Two-Ingredient Dough
This two-ingredient dough recipe will change the way you make homemade pizzas! This dough is versatile and can also be used to make bagels, calzones, and more. All you need is one cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt and one cup of self-rising flour. Mix your ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon until combined. Then, keep mixing the dough in the bowl with your hands until it is smooth, for about two minutes. Let the dough rest for about five minutes. Grease your pizza stone and preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the dough on top of some flour and begin to roll it out, either with your hands or a rolling pin. Add it to the pizza stone and add the seasonings and toppings of your choice. Bake for about 20 minutes and enjoy!
Coffee Hacks
Adding creamers and syrups to your coffee is a quick way to start your day off on the wrong foot. These additions can turn your morning cup of coffee into a 500-calorie treat full of sugar. If you like sweeter coffee, consider switching to sugar-free coffee creamer or unsweetened vanilla almond milk. If you are on a fitness journey and prioritize your protein intake, consider using vanilla or caramel protein shakes as a coffee creamer. This is a great way to add some nutritious value to your coffee, without adding extra sugar.
Switch to Dark Chocolate
When eaten in moderation, dark chocolate has been proven to provide numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. Some studies suggest that dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. Swap out your normal dessert for a few small pieces of dark chocolate. To receive these benefits but still enjoy a tasty treat, opt for 70-80% cocoa dark chocolate.
Snack on Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn, especially when not loaded with butter or oil, tends to be lower in calories compared to a snack like potato chips. This can be beneficial for those who enjoy snacking but are looking to manage their calorie intake. Popcorn can be a more satisfying and filling snack for the same or fewer calories as chips. Its volume helps with portion control and overeating. If you’re looking to splurge, consider purchasing a popcorn maker so you can make healthy popcorn in the comfort of your own home. For an easier option, check out your local grocery store for healthier popcorn such as BoomChickaPop or Skinny Pop.
Switch to Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is unrefined and can be a great substitute for vegetable oil or olive oil. It’s rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Many believe it can help lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s a healthier option than other oils, and its high smoke point makes it an easy choice for high-heat cooking. Chosen foods makes a great avocado oil that can be found at most grocery stores.
Enjoy this Healthy Pancake Recipe
Ditch the Bisquick mix this year and try out this healthier pancake recipe! All you need are two ingredients: eggs and bananas. Feel free to add in additional ingredients as well, such as cinnamon, pumpkin, blueberries, walnuts, or dark chocolate chips. You will need to adjust the recipe based on how many pancakes you wish to make, but the ratio of eggs to bananas is always 1:1.
Swap out the Soda
There’s a long list of reasons to avoid soda, including the high sugar content, caffeine content, artificial additives, poor dental health, etc. Limiting your soda intake doesn’t mean you can only have plain water. There are endless brands offering sugar-free drink options. Try switching your soda out for flavored seltzer water, unsweetened green tea, or prebiotic soda!
Fruits Instead of Sugary Treats
In a world where tempting, sugary, and processed snacks are readily available, opting for fresh, whole fruits offers a myriad of benefits. Fresh fruit provides essential nutrients your body needs. Consider swapping out your normal sugary treat for a bowl of mixed berries with some light whipped cream.
Oatmeal Instead of Sugary Cereal
Oatmeal is a great source of important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious breakfast. It has been proven to reduce levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Oatmeal can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add a variety of toppings such as fruits, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, or even protein powder.
Switch to Non-fat Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has the same healthy bacteria as regular yogurt, but higher protein, less fat, and less sugar. A great brand to try is Oikos Triple Zero. With 15 grams of protein, no added sugar, no fat, and no artificial sweeteners, it’s a great way to start your day. It comes in a variety of different flavors to suit everyone’s taste buds, including vanilla, strawberry, mixed berry, peach, salted caramel, blueberry, and more!
Consider incorporating a few of these healthy swaps into your everyday diet this year. Even just making minor changes in your diet can have a major impact on your health and wellness!
