Simple Changes for Healthier Eating

Sometimes healthy eating can seem a little tedious and daunting, but I’ve come to realize that if I’m making it too difficult to stick with at the time, I need to simplify.  

Here are just a few things that my husband and I have tried as “healthier alternatives”, so we can still eat the foods that we like without having to spend a ton of time on planning- it can be as simple as finding a recipe you like and switching it out!

• Alternatives to white pasta noodles:
• Whole wheat pasta
• Spaghetti squash (I LOVE spaghetti squash! It can be substituted in place of almost any noodle!) Our favorites have been with spaghetti sauce, as well as this delicious recipe for Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

http://hugsandcookiesxoxo.com/2014/08/spaghetti-squash-carbonara.html

• Zucchini OR eggplant in place of lasagna noodles. I’ve really liked both, but eggplant lasagna seems to be less watery when cooked compared to Zucchini Lasagna

• Alternatives to white rice:
• Obviously, brown rice.
• Quinoa can make a great substitute/additive as well.  I’ve used it in place of rice, in casserole dishes, in wraps, and many other dishes.  Quinoa can have a wide range of uses!
• Cauliflower.  This can be used in place of rice, but I have also tried a few recipes that I’ve liked where cauliflower can be used in place of mashed potatoes, to make tortillas, and pizza dough.  
• Turkey Burger in place of Hamburger (I buy this in bulk at Costco to save money.)  Turkey burger is a leaner option with less fat, but you’re still able to get the needed protein.  
• Turkey Bacon in place of bacon
• Dark green leafy vegetables in place of iceberg lettuce.  Or mix them together!  Iceberg lettuce has little nutritional value, and the darker the greens the better!  If you REALLY don’t like dark green leafy veggies, green smoothies are always a great way to get them in without having to taste them.  My husband and I buy a BIG bag of the Power Greens from Costco and stick them in the freezer to add to fruit smoothies.  Our blender seems to blend them up much easier when they are frozen, AND we don’t have to worry quite as much about them going bad and going to waste.  
• Alternatives to Flour Tortillas:
• Whole Wheat tortillas
• Corn Tortillas
• Find a cauliflower tortilla recipe that you like
• Lettuce
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.  Less fat and more protein equals a win.  
• Frozen grapes in place of popsicles, candy, etc.  These make for a delicious snack when you’re craving something sweet!

And, most importantly, skip the processed foods as much as possible!  I’ve heard time and time again, do most of your grocery shopping on the outer edges and try to buy as little from the center isles as possible.    

*Note: I am in no way a nutritionist, and I am in no way saying that any of these things are the perfect and healthiest alternatives. These are just a few things that we have found to be helpful, quick and easy for my family!

-Rachel