5 HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS

Before you know it, swimsuit season will be here. Now is the time to start thinking about shedding those extra pounds, which makes one of the first steps is improving your diet. If you are finding it difficult to get started, here are five easy food swaps that will help you cut calories.

Ditch the condiments

Swap condiments like mayonnaise and ketchup, which tend to be high in fat and sugar, for flavored hummus. You will add healthy fat, protein, and fiber by using this trick.

Cut out the empty carbs

We all love dips like salsa and guacamole, but traditional chips are filled with carbs and can add empty calories to your diets. Instead, use a vegetable like cucumbers to scoop up your favorite dips. Cucumbers are also high in water and great for your skin.

Vegetables are your new bread

Most restaurants now offer the option to do a breadless burger but it doesn’t have to be bland. Replace your sandwich bread with sturdy lettuce like collard greens. Portobello mushroom caps can also serve as a great burger bun.

Fresh fruit is the best fruit

Fruit makes a delicious addition to cereals, granolas, and oatmeal, but opt fresh fruit over dried fruits. Dried fruits tend to come with added oils and sugars which will add unwanted calories to your diet.

Choose natural nut butter

Conventional nut butter is loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Nuts provide many heart-healthy fats, consume them in their purest form when choosing nut kinds of butter by selecting brands that don’t add additional fats or fillers.