Boost Your Health with Simple Food Swaps

Whether you want to lose weight or boost your overall health, change is challenging and new habits are hard to form. The Standard American Diet (SAD) sabotages our best efforts to eat healthy.  However, improving your health can be as simple as “swapping” out common, everyday food choices.

Swapping is not a diet but a way to upgrade your nutritional intake. These food swaps will increase your vitamin, nutrient and fiber intake while reducing sugar and artificial additives in your food.

Making just one smart swap can pave the way to creating momentum to a healthier and happier you.  Small changes equal big results.

Here’s my top 10 Healthy Food Swaps.

1. Swap soda for water or seltzer. Add a lemon or lime to alkalize and cleanse your organs.
2. Swap boxed sugar coated cereals for a whole grain cereal like oatmeal or muesli. Add in fresh fruit and cinnamon to naturally sweeten it.  You will save $$ while reducing your sugar intake, stabilize your blood sugar levels and feel satiated.
3. Swap juice for the whole fruit. Fruit has fiber and nutrients that will keep your body satiated and sweet tooth satisfied.
4. Swap mayo for hummus, avocado or mustard. Mayo’s 1^st ingredient is generally soybean oil plus added sugar; both lack fiber and nutrients.
5. Swap out ready-made dressings for balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Commercially made dressings are made with a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids, sugar and artificial ingredients.
6. Swap out iceberg lettuce for dark leafy greens like romaine or spinach.  It will keep your metabolism running smoothly and build a strong immune system.
7. Swap pretzels for home made trail mix. Nuts and seeds are full of protein and fiber that will keep you satiated. Pretzels are lacking in nutrients.
8. Swap crackers and dip for vegetables and dip.  Most crackers are filled with artificial ingredients and keep you craving more. Veggies are full of vitamins and fiber.
9. Rethink your dip. Swap out creamy high caloric dips for hummus and guacamole. 
10. Swap out your dinner size plate for a salad size plate.  This will help with portion control.

Do you have a healthy food swap you would like to share? Tell us in the comments!