In this generation of junk and unhealthy food, it is not easy to give up the cravings and choose healthy food which is not as tasty. We are what we eat, and eating unhealthy and fat-laden foods makes us put on weight and also calls for many diseases and health problems. Giving up unhealthy food for healthy one is not as tough as you think, you only need to substitute some of your foods and here are some suggestions:
- FROZEN GRAPES INSTEAD OF POPSICLE
Popsicles contain added sugars, flavours, acidity regulators, artificial colours and what not. They taste good but are certainly not good for the body. Instead, freeze whole grapes or you may also freeze freshly blended pulp and have it as a Popsicle by inserting a stick in it before freezing.
- AVOCADO SPREAD INSTEAD OF BUTTER
Avocado contains health protective anti-oxidants and high fibre which you won’t find in butter. Besides, it also contains vitamins and minerals. It is creamier and flavourful than butter and makes a really good bread spread for a fulfilling breakfast. Simply mash the avocado pulp and also add some olive oil to it if you like. Spread this on a toast and enjoy! More on health benefits of avocado>>
- LETTUCE WRAP INSTEAD OF FRIED CHICKEN WRAP
Fried chicken wrap is usually made up of all-purpose flour which is certainly not healthy. It is high in calories and takes longer to digest; the worst fact is that the wrap contains no nutrients other than the nutrients that chicken have but you cannot let go the fact that it is fried and contains unhealthy fats too. Lettuce wrap can be a great alternative since it is full of fibre and contains minerals, vitamins and what not. And yes, it makes your digestion easy.
- WHOLE FRUITS INSTEAD OF JUICES
100% homemade fruit juices are healthy no doubt, but whole fruits are healthier! Whole fruits contain all the fibre and nutrition from the peels but juices lack them! Juices are digested super-fast but fruits take comparatively more time since they have to be metabolised and this also keeps your metabolism in top condition! Thus aiding weight loss. More on fruits for weight loss>>
- TURKEY OR CHICKEN BURGER INSTEAD OF BEEF BURGER
Burger itself is not healthy considering the cheese, bread and sugar loaded sauces it contain, but if you have to eat one on your cheat day, do it the healthier way! Turkey or chicken burger is always healthy over beef burger since it is comparatively less in calories and also contain some healthy fats.
- POPCORN INSTEAD OF POTATO CHIPS
Everyone knows there’s nothing healthy about a bag of potato chips. It is fried, contains unhealthy excess fat and carbohydrates and it is hard to resist! Potato chips taste amazing and we end up gulping down big packets at once (at least I did!). Popcorn can be a god and healthy choice over potato chips. You can enhance the flavour by adding honey to it.
- 100% DARK CHOCOLATE INSTEAD OF REGULAR CHOCOLATES OR DESSERTS
100% dark chocolate contains antioxidants, nutrients and good fats. It also keeps your digestion in top speed that makes metabolism easy. The important thing to remember is the amount because dark chocolate does contain plenty of fat and calories. Stick with a 1-ounce portion. More on benefits of dark chocolate>>
- AVOCADO TOAST INSTEAD OF BREAD BUTTER TOAST
Bread butter toast contains fats from the butter and the white bread is certainly not healthy, we all know it. If you are really hungry and want to eat something fulfilling, avocado toast is the answer. Mash 1/4 of an avocado on 1 slice of toasted clean bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and you are done.
- OATMEAL INSTEAD OF GRANOLA BARS
Granola bars are regarded as healthy but you need to look into the ingredients! Some granola bars contain sugars and almost all commercially available granola bars contain preservatives, flavouring agents, acidity regulators and what not. Instead, opt for a bowl of steaming oatmeal. It is full of fibre and nutrients and taste great. Cook oatmeal with low fat milk or almond milk and add honey to it along with fruits of your choice. Read more on benefits of oatmeal>> and some overnight oatmeal recipes>>
- KALE SMOOTHIE INSTEAD OF MILSHAKES
Milkshakes contain sugar that can increase your weight. Kale is rich in fibre and proteins that makes a fulfilling and healthy breakfast for you. You need 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 cups kale, 2 cups frozen mango and 1 ½ cup green grapes. Blend together kale, lemon juice, kale, mango and grapes until well combined and smooth. Add water to it to adjust consistency and blend again. Add ice cubes to it and serve chilled.