It is easy to stick to comfort food during the cooler months so I have put together a small list of some healthy food alternatives that are packed with nutrients and vitamins. By opting for healthier versions, you will notice a new spring in your step with benefits that range from sleeping better and shedding some pounds.
Quinoa is a great substitute for rice. It is a superfood and tastes good too. Being a whole grain, it is full of B vitamins, iron and fibre.
It is also very versatile, so you can use it in various dishes; a bowl for breakfast with honey, add to a bowl of veggie salad, or to a stir-fry.
This is a great source of many different nutrients and can be eaten raw or fresh. It makes a great addition to salads or homemade soups. My favourite way to add spinach to my dishes is to add it as a side and sauté it with garlic and olive oil. If spinach isn’t your favourite veggie, you can chop it up finely and add it into stir-frys or savoury muffins to hide them.
Plain, Greek yogurt is low in sugar and has more protein than traditional and flavoured yoghurts. You can add flavour and sweetness to it by adding fresh fruit, honey, or granola to create the perfect breakfast or snack.
Greek Youghurt is also the perfect alternative for sour cream in recipes and makes a great base for any homemade salad dressings.
My top tip for shopping: don’t avoid the bulk bins in your supermarket! They have some great bargains and there is also some healthy snacks or additions for your meals. Buying in bulk allows you to cut costs.
Almonds are the perfect on the go snack and as an added bonus, they load you up with protein and healthy fats!
Avocados are great in salads and wraps, but you can also mash them and use it as a substitute for mayonnaise in sandwiches.
Avocado is easy to turn into guacamole and adds vitamin E and healthy fats to your burritos, tacos and enchiladas. If you have kids, they will love trying Mexican food and putting their own meal together!
Berries are a great source of antioxidants, which you need to ward off numerous health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Eat them plain, add them to a yoghurt, mix them into your breakfast porridge or toss them into a smoothie for a healthy breakfast on the go! Fresh berries frozen fresh can be purchased in bulk from your supermarket so you always have some on hand.
Beans are an ideal choice for a small budget as a little goes a long way! They are the perfect source of protein and fibre.
Cooking p a pot of beans is really easy and they make a great side dish for chicken and pork chops. Dry beans are cheaper than canned alternatives and definitely healthier too.
Are you going to try any of these super foods in your next shopping visit? Let me know in the comments below or write on my Facebook wall, I would love to hear from you!