This past winter for spring break, I wanted to drop a few pounds for my upcoming spring break cruise. I knew I couldn’t do this with exercise alone, but changing my diet was important as well. I love cooking and baking so I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Instead of completely eliminating my favorite foods from my diet, I found awesome substitutions instead! Even after coming off of the “diet” these lifestyle changes have remained and I easily purchase healthier food often without even thinking about it. Take these tips with you the next time you go grocery shopping and you can’t go wrong!
Mac-n-Cheese: Make whole wheat pasta with a sprinkle of low-fat shredded cheese
Ice Cream: Stick some Greek yogurt in the freezer for a sweet treat that’s already in an appropriate serving
Chips: Low fat saltines with your choice of flavored Laughing Cow Cheese
Soda: Powerade Zeros are sweet, come in many flavors, are zero calories, keep you hydrated, and provide electrolytes
Buffalo Wings: Grill boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dip in Louisiana Wing Sauce
Caffeine Cravings: V8 V-Fusion + Energy Juices have only 50 calories, multiple vitamins and supplements, but 80mg of caffeine
Cheeseburgers: I’ve grown to really like veggie burgers, here are my two favorite combos I’ve come up with: MorningStar Tomato & Basil Pizza Burger with a bit of shredded mozzarella and marinara sauce or MorningStar Black Bean Burger with a sprinkle of shredded pepper jack cheese and salsa both on Aunt Millie’s Slimwhiches Buns
Chocolate Baked Goods: Fiber One Brownies (I’m addicted!)
Here are some more quick, healthy, and delicious snacks to grab instead of those Oreos or Doritos:
Yogurt covered pretzels
Weight Watchers Jalapeno Cheese Sticks
Pico de gallo and chips
Apples dipped in vanilla yogurt
Special K Cereal with Nonfat Milk
Yoplait Light Yogurt
Lightly Buttered Popcorn