Eating Better | Healthy Alternatives & Recipes

Eating healthy may seem bland and dull but what if I told you it doesn’t have to be? There are so many good options to replace all the salts and sugars. Find good alternatives that leave you with more energy and recipes that will make you want second and third helpings. We’ll review our favorite healthy alternatives and recipes that go with them.

• Applesauce

Applesauce is best to use when you feel like baking a sweet treat. So, instead of using oils and butters, applesauce is a healthier and sweeter alternative. A tip: add cinnamon for an extra kick to your recipe.

Recipe: Banana Bread

3-4 Ripe Bananas

1 ¾ cup Spelt Flour

⅓ cup Organic Cane Sugar

1 teaspoon Baking Powder and Baking Soda

⅓ cup Apple Sauce

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Almond Milk as needed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the pan. Mash your bananas, then add your dry ingredients. Mix and add your wet ingredients. If you find the dough to be crumbly/thick, add the almond milk as needed. Bake for about 50 minutes to an hour. Let it rest.

• Chickpeas

Chickpeas are an underrated source of protein and fiber. When cooked and seasoned correctly, they are absolutely delicious. You can use chickpeas to make your own hummus, or replace fatty meats.

Recipe: Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas

Salt

Oil

Seasonings of your choice

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and pat dry your chickpeas. Spread them out evenly on a nonstick pan, add oil and salt. Place them in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove and add seasonings of your choice while they’re still hot.

• Coconut or Avocado Oil

Healthier alternatives to the regular olive oil or butter. You can use these oils when frying eggs or making popcorn.

• Himalayan Salt

Not only is this salt healthier but saltier than regular salt. It contains detoxifying agents. This means it can help remove toxins from your skin. This is good for any meal that asks for salt. I like to use it when I’m boiling water for pasta dishes.

• Tofu

A great replacement for meats that are full of fat. You can make tofu taste like anything and it’s made out of soybeans. This substitute is good for heart health, sources of protein, bone health, and much more.

Recipe: Vegetable Tofu Stir Fry

1 Silken Tofu

Vegetables of your choice (best are carrots, onions, snap peas, and broccoli)

1 package of Noodles

Chili Onion Oil

Soyaki Sauce

Cut your tofu block into cubes. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add salt. Next add your noodles and let them cook until al denté. In a pan add your vegetables and tofu. Add chili onion oil to the vegetables to your taste. Once the noodles are al denté, add them to your pan of vegetables and tofu. Mix and add Soyaki sauce.

There are plenty of other healthy recipes and alternatives out there. Just by replacing some of your day-to-day food, you’ll find your body thanking you. These will give you better strength throughout the day and help your body in the long run. I hope you find the recipes just as delicious as I did. Happy cooking!