It is easy to think of health food as bland, expensive, and too much of a hassle to bother with, but with convenience on the rise, these foods are easier than ever to enjoy! If you are concerned with your diet and want to make a few simple changes, here are some great ways to start making your diet a healthier one:
1. Instead of store-bought oatmeal, with its sweeteners and artificial ingredients, make your own! Plain oats don’t take much longer to cook up. Add some brown sugar and cinnamon, dried fruit, and nuts, and you’ve got your own delicious, custom oatmeal!
2. Sugary yogurt tastes delicious, but it is full of just that – sugar. For more control, choose Greek yogurt instead. Sweeten it with a little honey and mix in some fresh, mashed fruit. It is richer and healthier than fruit-on-the-bottom!
3. Beer can be a satisfying complement to a hearty meal, but it will overwhelm your waistline in no time. The same goes for those sugary cocktails! Try to develop a taste for wine, especially red wine. There are health benefits to a glass or two, and wine is much lower in sugar and calories.
4. We all know how bad soda is for our health. Instead, create a healthy version of your favorite spritzy drink by combining all-natural fruit juice and seltzer water. This is also a great way to get kids to drink juice without loading them up with sugar!
5. Canned or frozen whipped cream, like Cool Whip, is delicious all on its own or on top of a favorite dessert. However, it is loaded with unhealthy ingredients and sugar! Customize your whipped cream by beating whipping cream with sugar to taste. You can control the sweetness to ensure it doesn’t go overboard.
6. Instead of ice cream, which is heavy, full of dairy and sugar, and can wreak havoc on a diet, try a refreshing sorbet instead! Ciao Bella is particularly good. With flavors like blood orange, blackberry cabernet, and coconut to choose from, you won’t feel deprived.
7. This seems obvious, but it may sound like you will be sacrificing flavor: baked instead of fried! If you are concerned that it will not taste as good, find some spices you like and load up your dish with them. It’s all about the seasonings – even bland tofu can taste delicious when accompanied by the right herbs and spices.
8. Store-made salad dressings are often overloaded with fat! Bring out the flavors in your vegetables with a simple topping of olive oil and vinegar. A squeeze of citrus can add a tasty touch as well!
9. Forget the candy bar loaded with nougat, caramel, and artificial ingredients. Opt for some rich, luxurious, dark chocolate-dipped fruit. It will more than satisfy your sweet tooth while ensuring that you get a serving of fruit!
10. Stop cooking with vegetable oil, which has little to no nutritional benefits. Olive oil is a much healthier choice, as it is full of the “good” fat we all need. Find some infused olive oils or make your own to add a gourmet touch!