We all know we should be eating healthier; but when a craving strikes, no one can tear that ice cream container out of our hands. Can’t seem to replace those empty cals with healthy ones? Here’s a way – ten, in fact – to kick your bad habits and replace them with a healthier routine.
- Like your bread, you carbivore, you? Put down the white bread and pasta and choose a whole wheat option instead.
- You’ve made a great salad. You’re so proud you’re doing something healthy for yourself. Then what do you slather on? Dressing. Taking your salad from 200 calories to 500 with only a few tablespoons. Instead, go for a light version you like.
- Need something crunchy and salty? Put those potato chips down. Instead, pick up another heart healthy option: almonds. If it’s the salt you crave, sprinkle some sea salt on top.
- Love your lattes? Ask for skim milk and no sugar and drop almost half the calories.
- Sweet tooth? Chocolate’s a girl’s best friend, but there’s no need to add on the extra pounds because of it. Have dark chocolate on hand and when that sugar craving strikes, have a small piece. Packed with antioxidants, there’s not much reason to feel guilty about this morsel.
- It’s Friday, you’ve had a hard week, and it’s time for happy hour. Pass on the beer and have a glass of vino instead. Red is better, and sulfate-free is the best.
- Hankering for ice cream? Slice up an avocado instead. Your mouth will delight in the comparable creaminess of the potassium-rich heart healthy treat.
- When cooking, skip the habit of melting butter on the pan and use extra virgin olive oil. Fats and calories still, yes, but heart healthy and good fat.
- Thirsty? Soda only makes you thirstier. If it’s carbonation you seek, then try calorie-free flavored seltzer water.
- In between meals and craving a snack? Don’t go for filling calories. Pick your favorite fruit – an apple, perhaps. Just a few calories, a little sugar, and fiber to boot – you can’t go wrong!
There you have it. Just a few ways to trick those taste buds – and once you develop one healthy habit, the second, third, fourth… are that much easier!
What’s your favorite healthy eating tip?