7 easy food swaps… and why
Sometimes, making small adjustments to what we eat can lead to significant, long term better health benefits. In fact, it could be as simple as doing these seven easy trades.
- Milk chocolate for dark chocolate
Most dark chocolate contains less than half the sugar and calories than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is also stronger in taste as it is bitter and richer, therefore you won’t be able to eat as much (hopefully!).
- Pasta for ‘zoodles’
For something different, try making zucchini noodles instead of pasta next time you make a Bolognese. You will find that you will probably be just as full but you will have consumed a fraction of the carbs.
- Beef Mince for Turkey Mince
Turkey mince is lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than beef mince, therefore it will do less damage to the waist line and you will feel more satisfied after eating it. Just make sure you choose a lean variety.
- Latte for White Tea
Most people need at least one coffee per day, but make it stop there. Before grabbing that second latte or cappuccino for the day, think of the calories it contains and consider swapping it for a good old cup of English Breakfast tea with milk. You will still get the caffeine benefits from the tea but will save yourself at least 100 calories.
- Mayonnaise for Avocado
Avocado is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are essential for heart health. They also contain a lot less sugar and salt than your typical mayonnaise and will fill you up more than what adding mayonnaise to a sandwich will.
- Granola for Oats
Porridge has stood the test of time and is still one of the best breakfast options. It is low GI, low GL, a great source of fibre, is low calorie and it is filling. A similar sized serve of oats compared with granola contains about 1/3 less calories, half the fat and half the sugar. If you don’t like oats plain, add some fresh berries and yoghurt and you are still better off than eating the granola.
- Cream Cheese for Cottage Cheese
Wherever cream cheese can be used, cottage cheese can be substituted in for significantly less calories and fat. Things like cottage cheese on grainy crackers, in cheesecake, as a dip, in a sandwich.
