Healthy Food Swaps

Sticking with your healthy eating patterns can definitely be difficult at times, especially when you can’t stop thinking about the cute doughnut shop on your way to work, or that gooey pepperoni pizza that is one phone call away from your door on those long nights.

BUT, as much as it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while, it’s also a good idea to get in the habit of recognizing your cravings, and then understanding that you can make a healthier choice to satisfy them. Especially after a long day, we often settle for the easiest option. And in this day and age, the easiest options aren’t the greatest for our health.

Here are some healthy, painless swaps when you’re wanting something not-so-healthy:

Snacks:

• Chips → popcorn

• French fries → edamame with salt

  • Or try hummus and toasted pita!

• Fruit snacks → unsweetened dried fruit

• Soda → tea sweetened with fruit

Making pizza at home can be a fun way to get the best of both worlds!

Meals:

• Ramen → brown rice drizzled in soy sauce

• Sub sandwich → pulled rotisserie chicken with veggies on whole grain toast

• Cheeseburger → turkey burger with a whole grain english muffin

• Pizza → BYO veggie pizza

• Chicken nuggets → grilled chicken nuggets

• Caesar salad → spinach salad with nuts, berries, croutons, and balsamic vinaigrette

Desserts:

• Doughnut → whole grain toast with honey or PB&J and cinnamon

• Milkshake → smoothie with frozen fruits, plain greek yogurt and almond milk

• Ice cream → frozen yogurt and berries

  • Or try frozen bananas and dark chocolate!

• Candy → dark chocolate and fruit

• Candy bars → KIND bars

• Or try all-fruit popsicles!