HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS

The new year may be the traditional time to start fresh with healthy diets and resolutions, but really anytime is the perfect time to implement healthy food swaps and put them into action.

Here are a few food swaps that are a great place to start.

HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS

OATMEAL INSTEAD OF CEREAL

Eat oatmeal instead of cereal for breakfast. Unless you’re making your own healthy cereal, try moving away from the overly sweetened processed boxed cereals.

Yes, they’re convenient, but not always the healthiest way to start your morning.

Instead, with just a little pre-planning, you can have a healthier breakfast with oatmeal.

Oatmeal is considered a superfood. It’s chock full of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

And, it’s awesome because you can customize it to fit your tastes. It’s pretty bland on its own, but by adding your favorite fruits and spices to it, you’ll have a delicious breakfast that’s satisfying and nutritious.

Try these delicious oatmeal recipes that are easily adaptable to your tastes and morning routine:

Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal by The Big Man’s World

Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal by Eating Bird Food

REAL FRUITS INSTEAD OF PROCESSED JUICES

Instead of reaching for that convenient bottle of fruit juice at the grocery store, opt instead for the real thing – fruit.

When you eat from the actual fruit, you’re getting a healthier and more nutritious intake than from just the juice alone.

The pulp or skin of fruit contains fiber and nutrients that are often lacking in the commercial fruit juices.

Purchasing a bag of fruit is usually more economical, too. Furthermore, if you can find organic fruit, that’s even a healthier way to go.

Fall and winter fruits to look for include grapefruit, oranges, pears, apples, pomegranates, persimmons, cranberries, kiwi and clementines.

Try these scrumptious fruit salads this season:

Pear Pomegranate Salad by Two Peas And Their Pod

Winter Fruit Salad by Dinner At The Zoo

HOMEMADE DRESSINGS INSTEAD OF STORE-BOUGHT

If you love salads, you may find store-bought dressings to be irresistible since there are so many options available.

However, those options tend to come with ingredients added that might not be so desirable as far as health benefits go. Processed dressings often contain added sugars, preservatives, and dyes, so you might be ingesting more than just a yummy dressing on your salad.

Instead, try your hand at making homemade dressings.

You can quickly shake or even blend a healthier dressing together and keep it in the fridge for up to a week to use on your salads.

Mix these delicious dressings for a savory burst of taste:

Homemade Ranch Dressing by Mommy Moment

Healthy Honey Mustard Salad Dressing by Cookie And Kate

White Balsamic Vinaigrette by Savory Nothings

HOMEMADE COFFEE CREAMER INSTEAD OF STORE-BOUGHT

If you’re not quite ready to give up coffee yet (and who isn’t?) at least make it healthier with homemade coffee creamer.

All those delicious flavors on your grocer’s shelf can be replicated at home. And best of all, you’ll be able to control what’s in it, use your own flavorings, your own sweeteners, and customize it to your taste.

Ditch the processed versions for these healthier alternatives.

Here are a few recipes to try:

Coconut Vanilla Coffee Creamer by A Mindful Mom

Skinny Dark Chocolate Peppermint Coffee Creamer by Amy’s Healthy Baking

Caramel Coffee Creamer by Fashionable Foods

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