Eat This, Not That

Nutrition is key. Really, it's key to so many things going on with you right now, and believe me when I say I wish that wasn't the truth. Personally I'd like to do anything possible to avoid eating mindfully and instead just eat whatever the heck I want, but that's not how all this works. I want to give you five of my favorite food swaps that have changed the game for me, without making me feel like a prisoner to health foods.

One: Popcorn, not Potato Chips

Maybe you're thinking, who's this crazy person that just told me popcorn was ok?! Well, it's sure a lot better than potato chips, especially if made properly. If you can, get yourself an air popper and sprinkle your finished popcorn with pink himalayan salt. If you can't, get a very large soup/stew pot, heat a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil and add in popcorn kernels. Whatever you do, do NOT eat microwave popcorn.

Two: Fruit Smoothie, not Ice Cream

There's something satisfying about spooning ice cream into your mouth, but unfortunately it's not great for you. Instead, keep frozen fruit around. *Almost* every morning I indulge in a fruit smoothie for breakfast. I add water, protein powder, strawberries and blueberries and blend for about 30-60 seconds. It's super easy and portable if I'm on the run. DO try to use berries more than other fruits like pineapple as berries tend to be lower in sugar and carbohydrates.

Three: Spaghetti Squash, not Spaghetti

I get it, spaghetti with meatballs in red sauce is the comfort food we all crave, but it's full of carbs and little to no real micronutrients. Instead, bake a spaghetti squash, carve out the insides and add your favorite red sauce for a healthier option that tastes nearly the same. If you're looking to add protein, try ground turkey in the sauce or make some turkey meatballs!

Four: Avocado Mayo, not Mayo

A few years ago I discovered I am lactose intolerant and allergic to dairy, but I LIVE for snacks like tuna with mayo, so I had to find a good alternative. In my opinion, avocado mayo is even better than the real thing and it is so much better for you. This is also a great option if you're looking to be vegan. The one downside, it can be very difficult to find in stores, so I buy mine at Amazon or Costco, but you can also make it with pitted avocados and olive oil in a blender. Note, if you make it yourself it has a much shorter shelf life.

Five: Buffalo Cauliflower, not Wings

For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with buffalo wings, and I do still eat them, but thanks to this swap, I eat them a lot less often. Baked wings generally are okay for you, but they can be very high in calories. One wing generally boasts about 85-100 calories, add in the sauce and forget about it. Buffalo cauliflower is great because it has about one-third to half the calories and it's a great source of fiber.

I hope you enjoy these fun swaps, I know I sure do! And I promise you your body will thank you for making the change.