Healthy Food Substitutes

29/01/2010
Healthy Food Substitutes
Whether you’re health conscious or a little overweight or blessed with a speedy metabolic rate, keeping an eye on your diet is always recommended. Cutting down your food intake isn’t always the answer. All it takes is a sensible substitute. Here are a few suggestions for healthy substitutions:



Gelatine desserts vs. cakes and brownies
We all know just how rich cakes and brownies can be and that these rich delicacies leave us poorer in health. Gelatine desserts can be a delicious and healthy alternative. They not only leave you with stronger and shinier hair and nails, but are said to help with metabolism and muscle growth. The collagen that gelatine contains in said to be excellent for joint movement as well as moisturizing skin, keeping it smooth and firm.

Yogurt vs. cream
Yogurt contains bacteria which helps in digestion. This bacteria also boosts the immune system and prevents the growth of a lot of harmful bacteria. Yogurt also feels a lot lighter than cream.



Brown bread vs. White bread
White bread is white because it lacks the bran and germ that is present in brown bread. With the absence of the bran and germ, the nutritional value goes down leaving white bread with fewer amounts of zinc, fiber, thiamin, niacin, trace elements and good fats and oils.

Red sauces vs. white sauces
Apart from the obvious reason that creamy white sauces are more likely to add on the kilos than the tangy red ones, the cooked tomatoes that make up the red sauce are said to contain the antioxidant lycopene which is good at preventing cancer and heart diseases.

Granola bar vs. candy bar
Granola bars usually contain oats, nuts, honey, grains and dried fruits and is a rich source of vitamins and fibre. Candy bars are usually loaded with fat, sugar and artificial colour. Granola bars are the clear winners.



White meat vs. red meat
Red meat as we know contains a lot of harmful fats that lead to heart diseases. White meat on the other hand has no such issues and is also a good source of proteins.

Brown rice vs. white rice
As in the case of white bread and brown bread, white rice lacks the vitamins, minerals and fibre present in the brown rice.

Frozen yogurt vs. ice cream
Frozen yogurt and ice cream aren't very different. They both contain similar sweeteners and about the same calories. They are both sources of calcium and protein. The difference lies in the cultures present in the yogurt. As mentioned above, these cultures assist in many digestive functions. Although frozen yogurt is a narrowly healthier choice when compared to ice cream, it should be kept in mind that this type of food is as fattening as ice cream.



Olive oil vs. margarine
Olive oil like margarine is fattening. The difference lies in olive oil's antioxidant properties. These properties reduce the risk of heart diseases by lowering LDL cholesterol levels and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Margarine on the other hand increases HDL levels thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.

Soya-based products vs. meat
It sure looks like it! Soya products match meat when it comes to protein content. Soya also contains fibre which helps with digestion. They also contain lesser calories than meat products and make a wiser option for the weight-conscious.

Fresh fruits vs. canned fruits
Instead of picking up that can with fruits swimming, no wait, drowning in syrup, just pick up some fresh fruits which retain the enzymes and vitamins which are otherwise lost during the canning process, as well as keep your weight down.



Honey vs. sugar
Have you ever heard the phrase, 'sugar is a polluted sweetner'? It is in a way. In the production of sugar, a lot vitamins and minerals are lost. Honey has no such problem.

Hummus vs. mayonnaise
Hummus contains less fat and more sodium when compared to mayonnaise. Mayonnaise as we know can contribute to our bad cholesterol levels in a harmful way, so hummus makes a good substitute.

Dark chocolate vs. regular chocolate
Dark chocolate has better antioxidant properties when compared to milk chocolate. This benefits the heart as well blood flow and not to mention gives you that additional mood-boost. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar and is a much better option for figure-conscious chocoholics.

Source: India Syndicate