6 healthy alternatives to our food

Whether you want to lose weight or boost your health, there are many small changes you can make to your diet to achieve these results. To help cut out the bad stuff without compromising on taste, check out our top 10 healthy food swaps.

Porridge instead of breakfast cereals

While packaged breakfast cereals may look like a healthy option, in reality most cereals are laden with sugar. Not only does this add to the overall calories consumed, but it can lead to a mid-morning sugar slump which will have you craving more. Instead, try starting your morning with a bowl of low-GI porridge, which is not only packed with nutrients but is a good source of slow-release energy that will fill you up quicker and keep you feeling full for longer.

Pure fruit spread instead of jam and preserves

If you prefer to start your mornings with a few slices of toast, it may be worthwhile substituting jam and marmalades for a healthier spread. While most fruit jams are packed with added sugars or chemical sweeteners, pure fruit spreads are sweetened only with sugars that occur naturally in fruits. Because of this, they deliver the same sweet taste only with fewer calories and no artificial additives.

Maple syrup instead of sugar

Although all sugars are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation, if you must use a sweetening product, pure maple syrup is a healthier option than refined sugars. While refined sugars are stripped of nutrients, maple syrup is packed with minerals - including manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc - as well as antioxidants. Maple syrup also has a lower GIranking than table sugar.

Popcorn instead of crisps

In terms of health, most crisps don't have much going for them. Not only are they high in saturated fats, calories and salt, but they have next to no nutritional value. If you find yourself craving a salty snack between meals, try swapping your crisps for a packet of plain or lightly seasoned popcorn. Not only will you be giving your body a boost of antioxidants, nutrients and fibre, you could be saving yourself around eight grams of fat and 50 calories per 25g serving.

Fruit instead of snack bars

Many people believe that cereal, nut and fruit bars are the perfect in-between meals snack. However, as with so-called healthy cereals, many of these bars are actually packed with cane sugar, corn syrup and saturated fat. In fact, cereal bars can contain as much fat, sugar and calories as a chocolate bar or a couple of biscuits. If you fancy a sweet snack between meals, reach for a piece of fruit instead and save yourself over 100 calories.

Sweet potatoes instead of potatoes

Although potatoes contain several nutrients, sweet potatoes may be a better option for those watching their weight. While potatoes are high on the glycemic index, so can lead to energy slumps and cravings, sweet potatoes are acomplex carbohydrate with a much lower GI ranking. In addition to this, sweet potatoes are packed with minerals and vitamins including antioxidant beta-carotene. Try swapping your jacket spud for a baked sweet potato, and chips for sweet potato wedges.
                          source:news24