By Andra Picincu
Healthy eating is anything but boring. Whether you’re looking to cut calories or clean up your diet, it’s no need sacrifice flavor.
With some creativity, you can enjoy delicious meals and still keep fit. The key is to eliminate sugar, white flour, and other calorie-laden ingredients. How you cook your food matters too.
Need inspiration? Check out these simple ways to make your recipes healthier – and more flavorful:
Ditch the Sugar
Craving chocolate cake, ice cream, or pudding? No problem! Recreate your favorite recipes using stevia instead of sugar. Stevia is a natural sweetener that has no side effects and can be used in most dishes. Alternatively, you can opt for cinnamon, vanilla essence, or flavored protein powder.
Beware that honey, pureed fruits, juice concentrate, and other sweeteners are loaded with fructose, which is just another form of sugar. Even though it’s natural, it doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Researchers have linked fructose to weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes, liver diseases, and even cancer.
Cook without White Flour
White flour has little or no fiber, and boasts a high glycemic index. This means that whenever you eat something made with flour, your blood sugar levels will go through the roof.
Since most desserts call for white flour, you need a healthier substitute. Almond flour, coconut flour, whole wheat flour, and flax meal are all an excellent choice.
For single-serving deserts, use protein powder instead of flour. One or two scoops will do the trick! Another option is Konjac flour, which has a lot of fiber and no carbs.
Add Greek Yogurt to Your List
Loaded with protein, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, mayo, and vegetable oil in most recipes. It also makes a great addition to sauces and salad dressing. Plus, you’ll get just as much creaminess as you’d get with sour cream but without the extra calories and fats.
For instance, you can make a delicious ice cream using Greek yogurt, frozen berries, stevia, and cocoa powder or peanut butter. Or you can mix yogurt with garlic, parsley, sea salt, and pepper for a creamy sauce that goes well in salads and casseroles.
Say No to Fried Foods
Without a doubt, fried dishes taste amazing, but the risks are simply not worth. Frying increases the calorie content and glycemic index of food while releasing toxins that affect your health.
For instance, one serving of deep-fried cod fillet boasts 12 grams of fat and 232 calories. The same amount of baked fish has only one gram of fat and 105 calories. Now you do the math!
Bake, grill, roast, or steam your favorite foods so you can enjoy the flavor without the guilt!
