If you are looking to eat healthier you have come to the right place. If you find yourself like me always running around and shoving something in your mouth fast or picking up fast food then you might feel like you need to eat healthier. Here are some tips or healthy substitutes for some food items. 

• Use applesauce instead of oil when baking. Try substituting applesauce for half the oil requested in cake and brownie recipes. You’ll cut down on calories without losing flavor or texture.
• Eat brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients than white rice. The fiber also makes it more filling.
•  Use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Swap ¼ cup of egg substitute or two egg whites for each egg in a recipe to cut calories and cholesterol.
•  Choose multigrain or whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta. Some pastas also have Omega-3 fatty acids, an added benefit.
• Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or extra-lean ground beef in chili, burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, and lasagna to save on calories and fat.

Tips:

Start with breakfast – every day!

Why? To increase metabolism, energy levels and help avoid snacks between meals. Pick something ‘grainy’ and add protein, porridge or Weetbix with fruit and light blue milk. Try whole grain toast with eggs or baked beans or banana and peanut butter.

Have smarter snacks – and only if you need them

Why? If you’re not hungry between meals, you don’t need snacks. If you do feel peckish, reach for one of the following snacks: 

• a piece of fruit or small handful of nuts (30g)
• a cup of soup
• a cup of low fat milk or yogurt
• vegetable sticks or grainy crackers with hummus or cottage cheese

I really hope you will try some of these tips and ideas if you have been feeling that you aren’t eating as well as you should. It will also boost your energy level and make you feel better about yourself.