My whole theory for weight loss (yes, it’s MY theory, no one else in the world has ever thought if this before so get ready!) is changing out small things, so that I still feel like I can eat the way I want. Through several hours spent browsing the grocery store (yeah, I’m weird), I’ve discovered a lot of healthier options out there that I just never knew existed. Here are some things I often swap out in my own life. If you have ideas that should be added to the list, please send them on over!
Baking
For butter:
- Apple butter (great in cookies)
- Applesauce (great in cupcakes)
- Nonfat yogurt (great in brownies)
- Fat free cream cheese (great in cookies)
- Light whipped butter (great in everything, and half the calories of regular)
For whole milk/cream:
- Reduced fat buttermilk (great in muffins or cupcakes)
- Unsweetened almond milk (great in everything)
- Evaporated milk (great in sauces)
For all purpose flour:
- Gluten-free baking blend
- White whole wheat flour
- Whole wheat pastry flour
For whole eggs:
- Egg substitute/egg beaters
- Egg whites (3 whites=2 whole eggs)
- Applesauce (vegan)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1/4 cup liquid of choice (my staple for vegan desserts)
For sugar:
- Raw turbinado sugar (less processed)
- Honey/agave/maple syrup (natural)
- Dates (still experimenting with this…)
Breakfast
For milk:
- Unsweetened almond milk (half the calories of skim milk, and better tasting!)
For regular yogurt:
- Greek yogurt (twice the protein, creamier taste.)
For eggs:
- 1 yolk, the rest whites (this one is kind of common sense, but a little yolk is good for you!)
For flour (in pancakes and waffles)
- Gluten-free baking blend
- Whole wheat pastry flour
For breakfast meats:
- Center cut bacon (less calories and sodium than turkey bacon, better taste)
- Turkey sausage
- Canadian bacon (great for breakfast sandwiches)
For bread:
- Whole wheat sandwich thins
- Ezekiel bread (I love the cinnamon raisin one!)
Dinner:
For ground beef:
- Extra lean ground turkey breast (great in tacos and meat sauce)
- 93% lean ground turkey
- 94% lean ground beef (great for burgers and meatloaf)
- Extra lean ground chicken breast
For pasta:
- Whole wheat pasta
- Brown rice pasta
- Spaghetti squash (my fav, and by far the healthiest)
For regular cheeses:
- Reduced fat (not fat free)
- Goats milk cheeses (generally have less fat and calories, and more flavor)
