Crying as I slowly sit down my pub fries..
You have been substituting and trying to make healthier options probably after the Freshman 15 hit you in the face. But the real question is what is stopping you for going for the gold and cutting those unhealthy choices out of your life for good. Here is my list of substitutions and easy tips that can help you change your ways:
1) Ice Cream Paint Job
This one might hurt a little, but I promise it is the best decision you will ever make. I just recently tried my first parfait and I am still mind blown. My personal favorite is Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt with some raspberries on top. I'm drooling right now. A healthy but sweet alternative.
2) Completely Baked
Most of us college people do not even think twice about grabbing a bag of chips. Especially while Lays has all these exotic flavors out. If you have not tried the Greek Taziki kind, don't. There addicting. However, what if that one decision can save you a lot of headache. Try switching to the baked chips. Honestly, you might not go back. They taste the exact same, without the regrets.
3) Drop the Coke
Can't decide if it's a myth or legend, but you have always heard about cutting out soft drinks for becoming more healthy. Have they ever had a Pepsi, come on now. It's hard I know, but when you loose 10 pounds it will makes things a lot easier I promise. Switch to straight water, it is way better for you anyways. But if your not that type of person, There is always the packets you sprinkle in your water that are fat free, my favorite, Diet Peach Tea Snapple. Even some juices are a good option. Gets me every time.
4) Za Cuisines
Drop the quick drive thru to Taco Bell. I know right did I actually just say that. Secret to the pain? Pizza, MY FAVORITE. Save a few pounds along with a few bucks and pick out your some lean cuisines. With hardly any fat, Lean Cuisines are the No. 1 way go to. Why, you ask? Because they don't taste like rubber! Score! Also, if your already out of dining dollars, like me, sorry mom, Be on the lookout at Publix. Every couple of weeks they throw those bad boys on sale. Buy one, get one.
You can't even complain.
5) Rolls on Rolls on Rolls
The good kind. If you're going out to dinner multiple times a week, switch it up with some alternatives that might be a little less fattening. For my sushi lovers, this is our time. Instead of going to get pasta try a sushi and hibachi grill. Even substituting the rice for extra veggies saves a little. Sushi, the avocado roll is a must. I could probably down about five. If you're not into Japanese, even just substituting fries on an entree for veggies is great. A little can go a long way. Especially with grease. I repeat, try to stay away from the grease.
7) Confessing Your Sins
It's time to let the cheese fries go. But maybe not the fries as a whole. Swap your cheesy mess load of carbs in for healthier option being sweet potato fries. If you haven't had these pieces of heaven your missing out on something big. Just be careful with your oils that you cook them in, that's where the demons lie.
8) The Munchies
We're all about the healthy options here guys. Take out the Twinkies and put in snacks by Special K. You won't regret it. I now only buy Fiber One, Special K, or Weight Watcher snacks just because you still get that sweet flavor without carrying the guilt with it. The cheesecake bites are to die for. And proportioned just right so you don't overdose on chocolate.
It happens.
9) You Wanna See My What
Ya, Ya, Ya grill. If anything, this is something your gonna wanna live by. Grilling gives me life. Not only is it good to grill anything and everything to maintain a healthy weight, but also so everything in your system pumping at a good stable rate. We want healthy hearts here people! So grill everything, if you have some shrimp, try grilling it instead of frying it. Even with chicken, throw some bell peppers on there as well. Kabobs are probably everything you need in life.
10) Dough Though
Honestly, I just found out this one myself. Whole grain bread. Both wheat and whole grain great additions to heart health. But by switching your bread from white to whole wheat your not only receiving major nutrients but maybe preventing a few pounds as well.
