Better choices: 5 healthier alternatives to common food
What's the story
Improving everyday health can be as simple as making a few easy diet swaps.
These don't call for drastic measures or expensive ingredients. Instead, they focus on replacing common foods with healthier alternatives that can boost nutrition and well-being.
By incorporating these swaps into daily meals, you can gradually improve your diet without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.
Whole grains
Choose whole grains over refined
Switching from refined grains to whole grains is an easy way to increase fiber intake and improve digestion.
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread contain more nutrients than their refined counterparts.
This swap can help keep your energy levels steady throughout the day and promote heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
Plant-based milk
Opt for plant-based milk alternatives
Replacing cow's milk with plant-based alternatives (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk) can be beneficial if you're lactose intolerant or trying to reduce saturated fat intake.
These options often contain added vitamins and minerals, like calcium and vitamin D, making them a nutritious choice for various dietary needs.
Healthy snacks
Snack on nuts instead of chips
Opting for nuts instead of chips gives you healthy fats, protein, and nutrients, without the added sodium prevalent in most processed snacks.
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are great choices that fill you up while keeping your heart healthy.
However, since they are calorie-dense, moderation is important.
Natural sweeteners
Use natural sweeteners sparingly
Substituting refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can cut down on empty calories while lending flavor to dishes.
While these alternatives still contain sugars, they often have additional nutrients that refined sugar doesn't.
Using them sparingly helps keep blood sugar levels in check.