Another week, another fad diet. From counting calories to eating only cabbage for days, from juice fasting to working out seven days a week, we’re all familiar with these crazes that promise we’ll be shedding pounds with the speed of light. However, a true diet connoisseur with sound knowledge about our bodies’ metabolism would wholeheartedly recommend a different, simpler approach: eat healthy, exercise more.
Today we’ll tackle the first part of the journey: eating healthy. We’re all already familiar with superfoods. They are packed with nutrients, have a low glycemic index and boast sundry health benefits. Despite their advantages, they are not a favorite of many people, who would rather choose junk food over a bowl of quinoa. Superfood swaps aim to replace certain foods that pack on calories without bringing any health benefits. Here are a few suggestions that will keep you full throughout the day and help you slim down.
1. Replace Brown Rice with Quinoa
Brown rice is not considered a bad food but is easily outclassed by quinoa. With a plethora of benefits, quinoa is loaded with iron, fiber and abounds in protein, which makes it an excellent food for vegetarians. This grain is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated in salads, soups, and casseroles. It makes for an easy lunch to take to school or work and it is conveniently cooked in less than 15 minutes. Combined with other clever techniques for slimming down, quinoa can be a strong ally in your weight loss journey.
2. Choose Oatmeal Rather than Cereals
It's extremely tempting to wake up and reach out for cold cereals, especially when you're running late. However, a bit of planning ahead and stocking up on right ingredients will help you enjoy oatmeal in the morning. Steel cut oats are loaded with much-needed fiber and make for an excellent breakfast.
If you're worried about not having enough time to cook your oatmeal before heading out, rely on overnight oatmeal. This implies leaving the oat flakes to soak in coconut or almond milk overnight and enjoying it with various toppings in the morning while reaping all the benefits of this healthy superfood.
3. Goodbye White Potatoes, Hello Sweet Potatoes
No one will deny that white potatoes are extremely delicious, however, they are best saved as a weekend treat. If you've never tried the very trendy sweet potatoes, you'll be pleasantly surprised by their taste and versatility. High in vitamin A and C, this type of potatoes are a great addition to your diet since their glycemic index is low. This means they won't spike your blood sugar levels like their cousins, the white potatoes.
Sweet potatoes can be baked in the oven or cooked as a mashed side dish and work wonderfully as a garish for any lean meats.
4. Leave the Mayo, Grab the Hummus
Most of us are used to adding mayonnaise to sandwiches and salads and we don't give a second thought to the advantages and disadvantages. A caloric bomb, mayonnaise does more damage than good to our bodies, which is why you should pass by it when you see it on a shelf in the supermarket. A healthier swap is hummus, which can be homemade or store bought. Made out of super nutritious chickpeas, hummus is high in fiber and protein as well as iron and healthy fats.
If you're not acquainted with this superfood, don't be intimidated by its Middle Eastern name. It's easy to incorporate it in dozens of recipes. Eat it with carrot sticks for a quick snack on the go or go ahead and add it to your favorite wraps for a boost of protein.
5. Steer Away From Sugar and Embrace Cinnamon
They couldn't taste any more different and their impact on our body is equally different. Sugar doesn't need any introduction as its bad reputation precedes it: it comprises no good nutrients, and can seriously damage your liver. On the other hand, cinnamon is a better option due to its long list of health benefits: it's loaded with antioxidants and boasts anti-inflammatory properties, just to mention a few.
The transition from sugar to cinnamon is not going to be easy and some motivation to get healthy is required. However, as you eat less sugar and sugary foods, you will start craving junk food less and even reach a point where you willfully decline sweets. Cinnamon can easily be sprinkled on your oatmeal, added to your morning coffee or in your pancake batch. The delicious flavor of cinnamon comes with sundry benefits your body will be thanking you for in a couple years' time.
