It’s that time of year again… Christmas is a distant memory but all those extra pounds you managed to pick up are not. You know that you need to jump on the ‘New Year, New Me’ bandwagon, but it can be hard going cold turkey (excuse the pun) in the new year.
Whilst everyone around you might be going vegan or alcohol free, here are some healthy food swaps that you can implement right away to ease you into your healthy ‘new you’ regime.
Sugar > Honey
Have a sweet tooth? Try swapping sugar on your cereal and in your tea/ coffee for honey. Honey has less fructose and glucose compared to sugar and it is lower on the glycaemic index. It also contacts vitamins and minerals, which sugar does not contain, leading to more health benefits (great when you have a sore throat). Honey is also sweeter, meaning you need less of it to satisfy that sweet craving.
Milk > Greek Yogurt
Instead of milk on your granola, opt for Greek yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12, however Greek yogurt also contains probiotic cultures, is lower in lactose and has twice the protein content of regular yogurts.
Syrup Oats > Banana Cinnamon Oats
If you like your porridge sweet, you can forgo the syrup and still get that sweet kick. Mash banana and cinnamon into your porridge to give it that sweet taste without overloading on sugar.
Bread > Wrap
Choose a (8-inch) 100-calorie whole-wheat wrap instead of 2 slices of bread.
Bagel > Rye Bread
Instead of the 300-calorie bagel, enjoy your smoked salmon and cream cheese on a slice of dark rye bread; rye bread is low GI, rich in fibre and a source of vitamins iron ond magnesium.
Cheesy Sauces > Tomato Based Sauces
Love your pasta? Swap your creamy carbonara and alfredo sauces for tomatoes and vegetable based recipies. Not only are tomato sauces packed full or vitamins and nutrients, but they are also much less calorific than a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Salted Nuts > Unsalted Nuts
Nuts are fantastic for you, they are packed with unsaturated fats, Omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins and plant sterols. However, mounds of salt are not. Next time you reach for a snack, opt for the salt free nuts instead and enjoy them guilt free (in moderation of course).