Sometimes, a minor alteration can create a significant impact. Whether trying to clean up diet options or just ensure a little more joy in meals, healthy food swaps can be potential game changers. And here lies the catch: not all swaps carry the same value. Some may appear an unnecessary splurge before one goes ahead and uses the ingredient, and then they realize it was worth every cent.
Here are some underrated swaps that deserve a place in your kitchen and trust me: worth the splurge.
Fix Up Those Cooking Oils
It’s always tempting to go cheap on the vegetable oil, but really, your future self may thank you for using either extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. These oils are not just good for the taste but also chew with heart healthy fats and antioxidants that battle inflammation.
I used to think olive oil was just for fancy recipes, but switching to it has given my sauteed veggies a restaurant worthy flavor. Also, a good oil will need less quantity to go a long way with flavor, so it ends up being an economic splurge over time.
Use the Real Thing when Sweetening
If you are using artificial sweeteners or the cheapest sugar you can find, listen up switching out for raw honey, pure maple syrup, or coconut sugar can alter your desserts and drinks!
I had a friend once who used to get me to put a drizzle of real maple syrup on an oatmeal that she made and the first time I tried it, I never stopped! Not only do these natural options also contain trace minerals and antioxidants, they offer unique flavor profiles that mean you don’t need to use as much if you even choose to. This is one healthy food swap that will enhance your experience straight away.
Rethink What You Buy for Dairy
Another overlooked swap? Your dairy. I can’t believe the difference between organic, grass fed, or even plant based alternatives to conventional dairy on taste and nutrition.
After reading about it in a cooking discussion, I started opting for a small batch, grass fed butter. The difference in my cooking was hard to explain at first, but the rich, creamy flavor quickly stood out. As a result, I began using less butter than before and enjoyed my food even more! The swap is sure to be worth it if dairy forms the largest proportion in your cooking or baking.
Invest in Quality Grains and Breads
If nothing else, a dollar loaf of white bread would be cheap but unfulfilling. Whole grain, sourdough or sprouted grain breads, on the other hand, reward one with more fiber, greater taste, and satisfaction. The same principle goes with pasta or rice: there are wonderful alternatives such as quinoa, farro, or whole grain pasta.
For me, one of the absolute best-budget keeping health food swaps has been going from most white rice to wild-rice-blends. Wickedly nutty richness and textural contrast elevate a simple side in too many ways. If you like me, you will be hooked with this healthy switch.
Last Bite
When it comes to modifying your dietary intake, you need never change everything. Putting together a few healthy food substitutions and spending that little bit extra on what’s important may very well get a person enjoying his or her food anew.
Simply remember, eating should be an experience, not just fuel for your body. Next time you are out shopping for groceries, decide to splurge on something that can really put a dent in your eating habits. Your body, tastebuds, and the chefs inside of you will thank you for it.