10 Best Healthy Alternatives to Everyday Foods

Everyday foods like bread, pasta, and ice cream are easy to come by, but if you want to get healthier, you’ll need some alternatives to these tasty treats.

Thankfully, the food industry has caught on to the idea that many people want their food healthy and delicious. 

They are constantly creating innovative products that satisfy your sweet tooth without putting too much of a dent in your health goals. Here are the 10 best healthy alternatives to everyday foods you can find at just about any grocery store or convenience shop.

Use Hummus Instead Of Butter

You might be surprised to learn that hummus is one of the healthiest alternatives to butter.

Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are packed with protein and fiber and have been shown to aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of heart disease

Hummus is also lower in calories and fat than butter, making it a healthier option overall. One tablespoon of olive oil has 119 calories and 14 grams of fat, while a tablespoon of tahini has 90 calories and 8 grams fat.

The amount is almost twice what you would get with hummus! 

Use Flaxseed Instead Of Eggs

Flaxseed is a good alternative to eggs if you’re trying to choose a healthy egg alternative. Flaxseed is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of protein.

Plus, it’s low in calories and cholesterol-free. 

Ground flaxseed combined with 3 tablespoons of water can be used instead of eggs. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken, then add it to your recipe in place of the eggs.

Near grains or supplements, you can find flaxseed at most grocery stores. 

Use Nut Butter Instead Of Peanut Butter

Nut butter provides a good alternative to peanut butter since it contains nutrients and healthy fats.

Plus, they come in various flavors so that you can mix things up. A great alternative to peanut butter is cashew butter, almond butter, or hazelnut butter. 

Using nut butter instead of peanut butter can be done a number of ways. 

  1. Add it to smoothies for an extra boost of protein or energy. 
  2. Put it on toast for breakfast or as a late-night snack. 
  3. Blend it into soup for added protein and flavor. 
  4. Use it as a dip for veggies or fruit like celery sticks, apple slices, carrots, etc. 
  5. Make your almond milk by blending almonds, water, dates, and cinnamon. 
  6. Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado.
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Use Pickles Instead Of Sour Cream

Sour cream is loaded with unhealthy saturated fats and cholesterol. LDL (bad) cholesterol may be increased in some people when saturated fat is consumed in excess.

You may suffer from heart disease if these levels climb too high. 

On the other hand, pickles are a healthy alternative that can add the same tangy flavor to your dishes without all the guilt.

Plus, they’re low in calories and fat-free. So next time you’re looking for a healthier option, reach for the pickles! 

Use Fruit Leather As A Snack

Fruit leather is an excellent alternative to sugary snacks like candy or cake. It’s made from 100% fruit, so it’s a healthier option that satisfies your sweet tooth. You can flavor the mix with whatever you like! Plus, you only need a few ingredients to make it at home. 

For example, add vanilla extract and cinnamon for an apple pie-flavored fruit leather. 

To make this healthy snack, combine 1 cup of chopped fresh apples with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a food processor until smooth. 

Spoon the mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours (the mixture will look dry).

You should cut them into pieces before baking them in the oven if desired. After that, use them with delight.

Use Tahini Instead Of Mayonnaise

When creating a healthier version of your favorite dishes, there are some easy swaps you can make that will make a big difference.

For example, tahini is an excellent alternative to mayonnaise. It’s lower in calories and fat and contains calcium and iron, which make it a healthy choice. 

As well as having a creamy texture, it’s ideal for spreading on sandwiches and dipping vegetables.

Therefore, when you’re looking for a healthier option, reach for the tahini! And remember, no need to limit yourself to the recipe. 

Tahini can be used in different recipes—from sweet desserts like chocolate tahini cups or banana-berry muffins to savory dishes like Moroccan cauliflower salad or eggplant hummus wraps. Get creative and experiment!

Eat Beans In Place Of Meat

Beans are a great option if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to meat. They contain a lot of protein and fiber and are low in fat and calories.

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Plus, they’re versatile and work well in many recipes. 

There’s also a wide selection of beans available – black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, navy beans, lentils, soybeans – so there’s sure to be one that suits your taste.

Try cooking up some vegetarian chili, or use black bean salsa as a topping on your next salad! 

Another easy way to incorporate beans into your diet is by adding them to pasta sauce. Tossing them with spinach and feta cheese makes an interesting appetizer or side dish. 

Beans may take a little more time to prepare than meat, but the taste and health benefits make it worth the effort.

If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, canned beans are just as good and quick to prepare.

Drink Yogurt Smoothies In Place Of Soda Pop

Try yogurt smoothies if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to soda pop. Smoothies made with yogurt are an excellent source of protein and calcium and can be just as refreshing as soda pop.

Making them at home is easy and only requires a few ingredients.  

To make a yogurt smoothie, combine yogurt, fruit, and milk in a blender. Let blend until smooth. Combine the ingredients in a tall glass or travel mug and enjoy!

If desired, you can also add other nutritious foods, such as flax, chia, or honey. A favorite recipe is strawberry banana yogurt with crushed ice and milk. 

There are many types of yogurt, but not all of them are the same. Some contain added sugars and sugar substitutes that you might want to avoid (check the label).

This recipe can be an alternative for any occasion: breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or snack time!

If You Love Chocolate, Use Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has many health benefits.

Are you aware of them?

The next time you’re looking for a sweet treat, reach for some dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate or white chocolate.

The antioxidants in dark chocolate may lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure and improve heart health. 

To make this even better, dark chocolate can be made at home! It takes just two ingredients: cacao beans and coconut oil.

It also contains less sugar than other chocolates, so it will satisfy your craving without making you feel too guilty about it. 

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Both of these items are affordable, so you shouldn’t pass them up. All you need to do is put them in a food processor until they are well combined, and then pour the mixture into molds (you can use silicone molds like these).

Let them cool before popping them out, and voila – healthy homemade chocolate! 

Not only does this taste delicious, but it’s easy on your wallet too! If you don’t have a food processor, melt the ingredients over low heat in a heat-proof bowl. Once melted, transfer to molds and let cool as instructed above.

If You Love Dairy, Use Coconut Milk Over Cow’s Milk.

Cow’s milk can be replaced with coconut milk if you don’t want to consume dairy products. In addition to being lactose-free, it is also full of beneficial fats and minerals.

Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. It is also a good source of vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals.  

Coconut milk also contains antibacterial properties due to its high lauric acid content. People without dairy allergies or who prefer not to consume dairy products may find it to be a healthier alternative to cow’s milk. 

For those with lactose intolerance, drinking milk can cause digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Coconut milk provides many of the same health benefits as other types of milk without causing these symptoms.

Final Thoughts – 10 Best Healthy Alternatives to Everyday Foods

Making small changes in your diet can have a significant impact on your health. The health and well-being of your family and yourself can be enhanced by choosing healthier alternatives to everyday foods. These 10 best healthy alternatives to everyday foods are a great place to start making healthier choices in your diet. 

I hope this list has helped you identify some healthy options that will help you feel better in the long run.

Remember, it’s not about cutting out all unhealthy food forever – it’s about enjoying the good stuff too! Find out what works for you by keeping trying new things. 

Clearly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet plan. Your body is different from everyone else’s, so there’s no right or wrong way to eat.