Realistic Healthy Alternatives

When you have a family and trying to live a healthy lifestyle it can be very tricky, especially when you have picky eaters. I suggest making small changes to your household norm.

Smashed Avo

Replace your jam on toast as you're running out the house with smashed avo on toast. Its fiber and cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated healthy fats will keep you full and satisfied well into the afternoon - and if you have time to have breaky at home add a poached egg. Super filling!

Hummus instead of Mayonnaise

Instead of buying mayonnaise for the house replace it with hummus - it's a great alternative and just like mayo can be changed up to suit your dish. For example when making wraps I add 1 tbsp of hummus and 1 tsp of ground up chili, garlic and olive mix which adds that kick i’m looking for. Red pepper hummus/ beetroot hummus is delicious as well and so easy to make - if you’re running a little late stop at woolies they have the yummiest red pepper hummus.

Rice & Pasta alternatives

- there are loads of options, it's just finding ones that suit your household. I can honestly give up rice in a heartbeat, pasta on the other hand is a lot harder. So I make sure I keep wholewheat, spinach and butternut dry pasta as well as parboiled brown rice and wild rice in  my pantry - these are healthier options and keep you fuller for longer. At Least once a week I try to use Cauli rice - Cauliflower is super low-carb and low-calorie while still being filling. Grating a cup of cauliflower to use in your rice recipe instead of using highly-refined and nutrient-deficient white rice. It's quick & easy plus you’re able to get the kids to help.

Instead of Soda

If you’re craving a sugary cooldrink or juice, it’s just your body trying to tell you that you’re thirsty! Try opting for a healthier alternative to quench your thirst and satisfy your need for something other than regular water. Instead of that cooldrink, try drinking iced tea or flavoured water. In order to make it feel like more of a treat, add lots of ice and a slice of lemon, or mint leaves and berries.

Good Chocolate

If you are craving chocolate, you can try swapping your regular milk chocolate for a small amount of dark chocolate (portion size matters!). It has a high amount of antioxidants. Start with around 40% Dark chocolate and work your way up.

Sweet treat

Fruit is naturally very sweet and one of the best healthy alternatives when you get a sugar craving but when we crave something sweet fruit is definitely not the thing to pop into our minds.  It can be eaten frozen in a smoothie or cut up into bite size pieces. To make your fruit feel more like a treat, try dipping it in a little dark chocolate or making a mixed fruit bowl and adding some plain yoghurt and honey.

Take out

there are many good alternatives for take-outs. Instead of having your normal fast foods make take-outs a spoil and have Simply Asia for example which is super delicious but packed with the goodness you need. There are also a lot of small local restaurants that serve up delicious, healthy, home cooked meals delivered.

When it comes to healthy alternatives there are loads to choose from, the trick is to find what best suits you and your family.

By Nuraan Manuels