1. Dairy Milk for Nut Milk There are so many alternatives to dairy milk today, that these alternatives are as available and accessible as the dairy options. If you switch from whole milk to, for example, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, you will get double the calcium and, depending on the brand, less than one quarter of the calories. Also, if you have an undiagnosed or undiscovered intolerance to dairy, this will offer you relief from that and make you feel fantastic.
2. Milk Chocolate for Dark Swapping milk chocolate for dark, may be harder for some than others, but it will make a big difference if you are a regular chocolate eater like myself. Not only does dark chocolate have less sugar, more antioxidants and is less processed, but it is also richer in flavor and can satisfy your chocolate cravings faster.
3. Sugar for Xylitol Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener. It is not artificial and can be processed by your body. Many low or no calorie sweeteners are chemically formulated and cannot be processed by your body. These sweeteners can actually be worse for you than sugar itself. However, Xylitol is a natural and delicious sweetener that can be used as a direct substitute for sugar, it has less calories and is sweeter so you use less.
4. Sugary Soda for Herbal Tea or Infused WaterThis is probably one of the most obvious and most talked about switch. However, it is one of the most difficult for people because they are conditioned to the convenience of pre-prepared sugary drinks. Yes, making herbal tea or infused water does take extra time and effort, however, you can make it ahead in large batches and keep it in your fridge so it is readily available. There are also several, delicious combinations that you can make and experiment with to keep things interesting.
5. White Rice for Black Rice White rice is a simple carb that lacks nutrients. However, black rice is full of antioxidants and goodness to nourish your body. The color of black rice is also amazing and it has an awesome, natural nutty flavor.
6. Pasta for Vegetable PastaWeather it spaghetti, spirals or couscous, there is a vegetable substitute for it. The best substitute for spaghetti is zucchini or shitake noodles. For couscous, try finely chopping cauliflower. Other alternatives to pasta products can include black bean spaghetti, chick peas, quinoa, carrot and beetroot. These alternatives have more nutrients, less carbs and are less processed than the pasta you get out of a packet.
7. Flavored Yoghurt for Plain Flavored yoghurt contains a lot of sugar and is highly processed. There are several plain yoghurts that have no added sweeteners and that are minimally processed. An easy way to get flavored yoghurt without all the nasties is to get the plain stuff and add a natural sweetener and/or whatever fruit you like to it. Not only will this make the flavors more delicious, it will also add freshness and texture.
8. Energy Drinks for Tea or CoffeeEnergy drinks are loaded with caffeine and sugar. Many also contain other artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners. Energy drinks are one of the worst drinks available on the market and have several, proven, health consequences. If you need a pick-me-up, it is just as effective to have a cup of coffee or tea that has caffeine in it to keep you going. You could also opt for some fresh fruit or iced water to help you re-focus.
9. Packaged Condiments for Home-Made Versions Packaged condiments often have many added, unnecessary ingredients and are highly refined. With thousands of recipes readily available online, it is now easier than ever to create your own condiments with less additives and more goodness. By making your own condiments, you should be able to get more flavor, more variety, less additives, less calories and know exactly what is in your food.
By Danica L Burnett
Article Source: 9 Switches for Better Nutrition
2. Milk Chocolate for Dark Swapping milk chocolate for dark, may be harder for some than others, but it will make a big difference if you are a regular chocolate eater like myself. Not only does dark chocolate have less sugar, more antioxidants and is less processed, but it is also richer in flavor and can satisfy your chocolate cravings faster.
3. Sugar for Xylitol Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener. It is not artificial and can be processed by your body. Many low or no calorie sweeteners are chemically formulated and cannot be processed by your body. These sweeteners can actually be worse for you than sugar itself. However, Xylitol is a natural and delicious sweetener that can be used as a direct substitute for sugar, it has less calories and is sweeter so you use less.
4. Sugary Soda for Herbal Tea or Infused WaterThis is probably one of the most obvious and most talked about switch. However, it is one of the most difficult for people because they are conditioned to the convenience of pre-prepared sugary drinks. Yes, making herbal tea or infused water does take extra time and effort, however, you can make it ahead in large batches and keep it in your fridge so it is readily available. There are also several, delicious combinations that you can make and experiment with to keep things interesting.
5. White Rice for Black Rice White rice is a simple carb that lacks nutrients. However, black rice is full of antioxidants and goodness to nourish your body. The color of black rice is also amazing and it has an awesome, natural nutty flavor.
6. Pasta for Vegetable PastaWeather it spaghetti, spirals or couscous, there is a vegetable substitute for it. The best substitute for spaghetti is zucchini or shitake noodles. For couscous, try finely chopping cauliflower. Other alternatives to pasta products can include black bean spaghetti, chick peas, quinoa, carrot and beetroot. These alternatives have more nutrients, less carbs and are less processed than the pasta you get out of a packet.
7. Flavored Yoghurt for Plain Flavored yoghurt contains a lot of sugar and is highly processed. There are several plain yoghurts that have no added sweeteners and that are minimally processed. An easy way to get flavored yoghurt without all the nasties is to get the plain stuff and add a natural sweetener and/or whatever fruit you like to it. Not only will this make the flavors more delicious, it will also add freshness and texture.
8. Energy Drinks for Tea or CoffeeEnergy drinks are loaded with caffeine and sugar. Many also contain other artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners. Energy drinks are one of the worst drinks available on the market and have several, proven, health consequences. If you need a pick-me-up, it is just as effective to have a cup of coffee or tea that has caffeine in it to keep you going. You could also opt for some fresh fruit or iced water to help you re-focus.
9. Packaged Condiments for Home-Made Versions Packaged condiments often have many added, unnecessary ingredients and are highly refined. With thousands of recipes readily available online, it is now easier than ever to create your own condiments with less additives and more goodness. By making your own condiments, you should be able to get more flavor, more variety, less additives, less calories and know exactly what is in your food.
By Danica L Burnett
Article Source: 9 Switches for Better Nutrition