Little Tweaks That Go a Long Way!
Making small food swaps can help you cut down on calories while still enjoying the flavors you love. These 17 easy swaps will help you eat healthier, feel better, and even shed a few extra calories along the way. Check them out!
1. Snack on Jaffa Cakes Instead of Cookies
Craving something sweet? Jaffa cakes are a lighter option compared to regular cookies. They’ve got a sweet citrus filling and a thin layer of chocolate, making them a satisfying treat without all the extra fat. You can save about 60 calories per serving compared to a typical cookie.
2. Use Olive Oil & Vinegar Instead of Creamy Dressings
Swap out heavy creamy dressings for a simple mix of olive oil and vinegar. Not only is this swap lower in calories, but it’s also full of healthy fats from the olive oil. You’ll save around 100 calories per serving by making this swap!
3. Add Avocado Instead of Mayo
If you love spreading mayo on sandwiches or using it for dips, try avocado instead. It’s full of healthy fats and fiber, helping you feel full longer. You’ll save about 50-100 calories per tablespoon, depending on how much you use.
4. Snack on Almonds Instead of Chips
Looking for something crunchy but healthier than chips? Almonds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a great option for a snack. Swapping almonds for chips can save you about 100 calories per ounce.
5. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a creamy, tangy alternative to sour cream. It’s lower in fat and packed with protein, making it a healthier choice for topping tacos, baked potatoes, or adding to dips. You can save about 50 calories per 2 tbsp by swapping it for sour cream.
6. Go for Sparkling Water Instead of Soda
Soda is loaded with sugar and empty calories, but sparkling water with a splash of lime or lemon is a refreshing, no-calorie alternative. By switching to sparkling water, you can easily save around 150 calories or more per can compared to soda.
7. Try Zoodles Instead of Pasta
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative to pasta. They’re quick to prepare and take on the flavor of your favorite sauces. You can save about 150-200 calories per serving by swapping traditional pasta with zoodles.
8. Switch Chips for Veggie Chips
Veggie chips made from kale, sweet potatoes, or zucchini can be a much healthier alternative to regular potato chips. These are lower in calories and provide more fiber and nutrients. You’ll save about 100 calories per serving by making the swap.
9. Use Cauliflower Rice Instead of White Rice
Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to regular rice. It’s light, versatile, and can be used in most rice-based dishes. You’ll save around 150 calories per cup when you replace white rice with cauliflower rice.
10. Try Popcorn Instead of Buttered Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a fiber-filled snack that’s much lower in calories than buttered popcorn. It’s perfect for when you want something crunchy but lighter. You’ll save around 100 calories per serving by choosing air-popped popcorn over buttered versions.
11. Switch to Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon
Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to regular bacon. It gives you that crispy bacon texture with fewer calories and less fat. You’ll save about 50-100 calories per slice when you make the swap.
12. Swap Ice Cream for Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt is a lighter, protein-packed alternative to ice cream. It satisfies your sweet tooth and gives you probiotics while being lower in calories. You’ll save around 100-150 calories per serving by choosing frozen yogurt over ice cream.
13. Make Your Own Granola Instead of Store-Bought
Store-bought granola is often packed with sugar and unhealthy oils. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and keep it healthier. By making your own, you can save around 100 calories per serving compared to pre-made varieties.
14. Try Almond Butter Instead of Peanut Butter
Almond butter is slightly lower in calories than peanut butter, and it offers more fiber and healthy fats. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or adding to smoothies. By switching to almond butter, you’ll save around 50 calories per tablespoon.
15. Go for Veggie Burgers Instead of Beef Burgers
Veggie burgers are a great way to lower your calorie intake while still enjoying a hearty meal. Made from vegetables, beans, and grains, they’re filling, healthy, and often lower in fat. You can save around 150-200 calories per patty by choosing a veggie burger over a beef one.
16. Switch to Dark Chocolate Instead of Milk Chocolate
If you love chocolate, dark chocolate is a healthier option with fewer calories and more antioxidants. It has less sugar than milk chocolate, giving you a sweet treat without the extra calories. You’ll save around 50-100 calories per serving by choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
17. Substitute Whole Wheat Bread for White Bread
Whole wheat bread is a much healthier choice compared to white bread. It’s high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you fuller for longer. You’ll save about 20-40 calories per slice when switching to whole wheat.
Make Healthier Choices
Making these simple swaps is an easy way to start eating healthier without feeling deprived. Cutting back on calories while still enjoying your favorite flavors is possible with just a few small changes in your meals. Try out these swaps and see how much better you feel!
