I love to cook daily.  Making sure my meals are fun and flavorful are a must. I'm always trying out new ingredients and recipes. Cooking healthy and nutritious meals doesn't have to lack flavor. I have found that it is as simple as swapping out some of the usual unhealthy ingredients in some of my favorite recipes for healthier options. This can really make a difference and takes no extra time or effort. Just grab the healthier option and enjoy! This is a great way for me to still enjoy some of my favorite go-to dishes, but upgrading the nutrition levels. This can be done in almost any recipe, once you know of the simple healthy alternatives that can act as swap-ins for most recipes. These are just a few of my favorites I wanted to share with you.

Health Swap in Alternatives

Unhealthy vs. Healthy

Sour Cream =>   Plain greek yogurt

• can add chipotle to make spicy condiment
• Great added in potato salad or chicken salad- tangy flavor

Mayonese => Hummus/ Almond Hummus 

• I use different flavors on burgers, sandwiches, & wraps
• flavors up a pasta salad or tuna salad

Peanut Butter => Almond butter

• Almonds are packed with less saturated fats and more healthy fats
• Added to smoothies or protein shakes

Trail Mix => Mixed nuts with Edamame beans

• Edamame is packed with over 18 grams of protein, fiber and healthy fats. 
• Great go to snack that is healthy and will ease that craving.

Vegetable/ canola oil => Avocado oil/ olive oil

• Choose heart healthy oils that are great for your health. 
• Can be substituted easily in baking or cooking.

Wheat pasta => Bean Pasta noodles

• edamame noodles or black bean noodles are my favorite. Pasta like texture. 
• Keep the tomato or pesto sauce and swap in a healthier noodle.

White Rice => Brown rice, wild rice

• more Protein, fiber and vitamins
• More flavorful

White granulated sugar => Honey, Agave

• Substitute in my baked goods
• Use to sweeten coffee or teaTry out some of these healthier SWAP in options in your next meal!

Healthy never tasted so good!