Healthy Food Alternatives
Remember that New Year’s resolution that you never really got around to? Maybe you would like to start eating healthier but you don’t know really where to start. Start simple with food you eat everyday!
To begin, make the transition to 100% whole wheat bread. Whole wheat bread is high in fiber so it helps lower cholesterol.
Another easy switch: try baked potato chips. Even though fruits and vegetables are an even better choice, baked chips are a great place to start. On average, baked chips have nearly 70% less fat than regular potato chips. Eventually, you could trade in the baked chips for fruits and veggies.
We all know that water is, of course, the best choice when it comes to drinks; it's all-natural. Teas, however, are a great source of antioxidants. Green tea is a perfect example. Teas also contain caffeine, so you can still receive that kick if you’re dragging. High-sugar, high-caffeine, carbonated drinks have been linked to obesity, Type II Diabetes, and even esophageal cancer, so here's a great way to stay hydrated and avoid those dangers!
Lastly, we all love hamburgers—they're the all-American meal! Try lean ground beef or even better, ground turkey. Lean ground beef contains less fat, just like the name suggests. Ground turkey has even fewer calories, cholesterol and saturated fats. Remember, you don’t have to completely change everything in your diet to eat healthier. Just try to incorporate some of the ideas listed above into your meals. Making these changes at your own pace will not make it feel like you have to follow strict rules. Soon enough it will be normal for you to pick these items up at the grocery store. Today, there are more similar foods that offer healthier alternatives to your everyday foods.
Published 05/30/08