3 healthy food swaps (+ snack ideas)
A common misconception about healthy eating is that it is hard to do. However, a few small changes in your diet can make a huge difference. When done consistently, these changes can help you reach your nutrition goals. These food swaps are not only good for you, they TASTE GOOD!
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a versatile and filling food. I prefer plain non-fat yogurt but feel free to use a higher fat version.
Try greek yogurt in place of:
- High-fat dairy products like butter and sour cream in some baking recipes.
- Mayonnaise in tuna salad
- Ranch dressing used for salads and dips. Combine 1 cup of yogurt, with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of dill and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Add salt to taste.
- Sour cream as a topping for burritos.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a gluten-free grain resembling rice (but is not in the same category) with a high protein content. It is also a great source of fiber and vitamins.
Try quinoa in place of:
- Rice
- Breadcrumbs for breading or as a binder for meatballs. Using cooked quinoa, spread the quinoa on a baking sheet, roast for 20 minutes and crush into fine crumbs.
- Couscous
- Oatmeal
Avocado
It may not be a surprise that avocados are on this list. However, avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. If you are including avocados into your diet, keep in mind that they are calorie dense and can lead to weight gain if consumed excessively per day. Despite this, the pros of eating avocados outweigh the cons.
Try avocado in place of:
- Butter on toast
- Mayonnaise in tuna salad
- Butter in brownies
- Alfredo sauces on pasta
Which swap are you going to try first?