Healthy eating, we all strive to do it, but sometimes healthier food tends to lack the flavor we crave from our normal "junk" food. Well, worry no more! There are some DELICIOUS foods that can be switched from the empty calories.
1. Spaghetti Squash
It may seem weird but hear me out, this veggie is actually the perfect replacement for your everyday spaghetti, it's just as filling with far less calories. One cup of spaghetti is approximately 220 calories, while one cup of spaghetti squash is only about 42 calories and both forms of "pasta" provide round the same about of fiber. This veggie is just as filling, healthier and is still delicious. What's not to like?
2. Quinoa
Drop the brown rice and make the switch to quinoa. Even though they have the same calories, this seed one ups brown rice per serving. Brown rice contains 14% of your daily fiber and 5 grams of protein per cup, while quinoa has 21% of your daily fiber and 8.1 grams of protein.
3. Cauliflower
Craving some delicious mashed potatoes or even some cheesy mac n' cheese? Well drop the potatoes and use some cauliflower. I know it may seem weird but here me out, the difference is unreal and the taste is pretty similar. Half a cup of boiled potatoes has approximately 67 calories and 16 grams of carbs. On the other hand, the same amount of cauliflower has a merely 14.3 calories and 2.3 carbs. Not to mention, that unlike potatoes, cauliflower won't raise your blood sugar. There are so many yummy dishes that can be made with this veggie, try one out for yourself.
4. Zucchini Fries
We all love fries. Their greasy, salty, goodness is the best but the calories make us feel guilty when we finish. Not to fret, there's an even better substitution, baked zucchini fries. They are just as crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as your average papa frita, but with far fewer calories. http://pinchofyum.com/baked-zucchini-fries This recipe gives you 2 servings that add up to only 118 calories of guilt free snacking!
5. Kale Chips
Don't be scared of the kale, these chips are melt in your mouth yummy! One cup of homemade kale chips averages to about the same calories of potato chips, 150 calories, but contains a bunch of nutritional benefits. Kale contains no cholesterol or unhealthy saturated fats which improves cardiovascular health, one cup contains 206% of your daily dose of vitamin A helping your eyesight, and that same cup has 134% of your daily vitamin C intake which improves your immune function, along with more than 600% of your daily vitamin K requirements, supporting proper blood clotting.
