Healthier Alternatives

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be difficult and often doesn't require a dramatic change. Even the smallest changes can produce a great benefit and lead to a substantially improved quality of life. It can be difficult to step outside of our comfort zone, as most shopping is motivated by comfort and convenience. If there is little to no access to healthier alternatives, there is a high likelihood that we will just continue to buy whatever is readily available (Fish, 2015).

There's no need to make being healthy extremely complicated and restrictive; it should be fun and easy. One example is that of the Super Healthy Family Concept. This practice excludes food products containing cows milk, gluten, and sugar based on the belief that these can have damaging effects on both the mind and body. Some alternatives to these products include rice drinks and soya products since they place less of a burden on the digestive system (Super Healthy Families, 2014). This might not be the right choice for everyone, but for many making these minor swaps has been beneficial.

Even if you only make one healthy swap, that is a great start towards a better quality of life. We don't want to limit ourselves and make eating an unpleasant experience when it should be a fun one. So to help you get started here are some healthy alternative options to try.

Healthy Alternatives

1. Ice Cream

Instead try vegan ice cream (made from frozen bananas)

2. Fries

Instead of frying try baking

3. Potato Chips

Instead try veggie chips

4. Whole Milk

Instead try low-fat options

5. Bacon

Instead try canadian bacon

6. Whole eggs

Instead try egg whites

7. Pizza

Instead try cauliflower crusts and veggies

8. Pasta

Instead try veggie noodles

9. Soda

Instead try flavored water

10. Mashed Potatoes

Instead try mashed cauliflower

References

1. https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/healthy-alternatives-for-favorite-junk-foods

2. Fish, C. A., Brown, J. R., & Quandt, S. A. (2015). African american and latino low income families' food shopping behaviors: Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption and use of alternative healthy food options. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 17(2), 498-505. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9956-8

3. Super-Healthy Families. (2014). Food, Culture & Society, 17(4), 615–627. https://doi.org/10.2752/175174414X14006746101835