5 Healthy Food Swaps

5 Healthy AlternativesLittle changes all add up, how about the easy and tasty little swaps

Swap Crisps For Homemade popcorn Next time you go to reach for a packet of crisps, head to the kitchen and pop some corn kernels. When homemade, this wholegrain food is a light and healthy snack to pick at during the day, and you can choose what to add to the popcorn. It is low in calories and high in fibre and iron – which is good news for the 10 per cent of women that have an iron deficiency.

Swap Fizzy Drinks For Sparkling Water Satisfy your cravings for bubbly drinks by opting for sparkling water – a no-sugar, zero-calorie alternative to fizzy drinks. The slightly sour zing will help to quench your thirst, and the carbonated bubbles can trick your mind into thinking you’re full, helping to reduce your chances of over-snacking. Add a few slices of lemon or a couple of mint leaves to boost the flavour and leave you feeling refreshed.

Swap Croutons For Roasted Chickpeas Although croutons can add a delicious crunch to salads and soups, many are made using white bread which consists of refined grains, and are cooked in oil or butter – that’s a sure-fire way of making your calorie count skyrocket. Choose home-roasted chickpeas instead, as they are packed full of key vitamins, minerals, fibre and iron. They’re also a great way to help vegans up their protein intake.

Swap Couscous Salad For Quinoa Salad

Couscous may have a reputation for being healthy, but as a simple carbohydrate, it is quickly digested and excreted from the body – leaving you more likely to feel hungry and overeat. You can make your salads even healthier by adding quinoa, a healthy protein-packed grain. Although couscous and quinoa have similar tastes and textures, the latter contains fewer calories, and is loaded with magnesium, folic acid and copper. It is also naturally gluten-free and a great source of energy, helping to fuel you throughout the day.

Swap Tomato Sauce For Homemade Salsa

Leave any shop-bought tomato sauce on the shelf and reach for fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and garlic to make a delicious salsa. If it’s homemade, you can be sure that there are no hidden sugars, colours or flavourings, which can typically be found in our favourite bottled brands. The fresh produce used to make salsa will offer much higher nutritional values, and is quick, cheap and easy to make.