The new year has always been the traditional time to start fresh with those healthy ideas and resolutions that you’ve been thinking about. But if you’re like me and got a late start to your new year resolutions, now is the perfect time to implement those changes and put them into action. Here are a few healthy food swaps you can do to get your healthy eating back on track.
Eat oatmeal instead of cereal for breakfast
Unless you’re making your own healthy cereal, try moving away from the overly sweetened processed boxed cereals. Yes, they’re convenient, but not the healthiest way to start your morning. Instead, with just a little pre-planning, you can have a healthier breakfast with oatmeal.
Oatmeal is considered a superfood. It’s chock full of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. And, it’s awesome because you can customize it to fit your tastes. It may be pretty bland on its own, but by adding your favorite fruits and spices to it, you’ll have a delicious breakfast that’s satisfying and nutritious. I love to add honey and cinnamon to my oatmeal…and sometimes even dice up some apples!
Try these delicious oatmeal recipes that are easily adaptable to your tastes and morning routine.
Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal by The Big Man’s World
Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal by Eating Bird Food
Eat real fruits instead of processed juices
Instead of reaching for that convenient bottle of fruit juice at the grocery store, opt for the real fruit instead. When you eat from the actual fruit, you’re getting a healthier and more nutritious intake than from just the juice alone. Plus you don’t have to worry about any added sugars.
The pulp or skin of fruit contains fiber and nutrients that are often lacking in the commercial fruit juices. Purchasing a bag of fruit is usually more economical, too. Furthermore, if you can find organic fruit, that’s even a healthier way to go. Or as an alternative, make your own smoothie if you’re looking to drink juice rather than eat it.
Look for winter fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, pears, apples, pomegranates, persimmons, pineapple, cranberries, kiwi and clementines. Not only do these fruits contain fiber, but many of them are packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Try these scrumptious fruit salads this season.
Pear Pomegranate Salad by Two Peas And Their Pod
Winter Fruit Salad by Dinner At The Zoo
Make homemade dressings instead of using store-bought
If you love salads, you may find store-bought dressings to be irresistible since there are so many options available. However, those options tend to come with ingredients added that might not be so desirable as far as health benefits go. Processed dressings often contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and dyes, so you might be ingesting more than just a yummy dressing on your salad.
Another healthy food swap you can do is try to make your own homemade dressings. You can quickly shake or even blend a healthier dressing together and keep it in the fridge for up to a week to use on your salads.
Mix these delicious dressings for a savory burst of taste.
Healthy Honey Mustard Salad Dressing by Cookie And Kate
White Balsamic Vinaigrette by Savory Nothings
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing by Five Heart Home
Make your own coffee creamer
If you’re not quite ready to give up coffee yet…(and who isn’t?…definitely not me. I need coffee to keep me functioning daily) you can make your coffee healthier with homemade coffee creamer. I know, those delicious flavors on your grocer’s shelf are hard to resist, but they can be replicated at home. And best of all, you’ll be able to control what’s in it, use your own flavorings, sweeteners and customize it to your taste. Ditch the processed versions for these healthier alternatives.
Here are a few recipes to try.
Coconut Vanilla Coffee Creamer by A Mindful Mom
Skinny Dark Chocolate Peppermint Coffee Creamer by Amy’s Healthy Baking
Caramel Coffee Creamer by Fashionable Foods
Do you have any healthy food swaps you made to better your eating? If you’re like me and still love your sweets, try one of these healthy muffin recipes!
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