I know it’s the end of January, so by now most of our New Year’s Resolutions have I been broken, if not altogether forgotten. That’s okay; it’s never too late to make a healthy start. That’s right, you don’t have to wait until 2019 to get back on track! Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder to live a healthy lifestyle than to want to live a healthy lifestyle; it also can be more expensive, which as college students, we do not like! Here are 5 easy and cost effective substitutes you can use in your daily diet for a hassle-free healthy year!
Whole wheat bread
When choosing breads (of any kind) try opting for the whole-wheat option. Whole wheat bread has more fiber and more complex sugars which make your body work harder to break down. Be careful on the bread aisle though, make sure the label specifies whole wheat or whole grain; otherwise you might as well eat white bread. If a label only says “wheat bread” you’re most likely paying for dyes rather than fiber. There typically isn’t much of a cost difference between breads, so this could be an easy switch!
Hot tea with honey
I know what you’re thinking, “I only like my tea sweet and iced,” but hear me out. Hot teas have tons of health benefits and tons of flavors. Black teas and chai teas are high in caffeine, so they are great pick me ups- a healthy switch from whatever caramel-mocha-whipped cream-syrup-accino you may usually need to wake you up. Green teas are great for boosting metabolic functions, and help with weight management. Dandelion teas eliminate bloating. Chamomile and lavender teas are great to unwind after a stressful day (although you can still have that glass of wine). If you don’t like tea, you can always doctor your drink up with honey and skim milk. Experiment with different flavors and see which one you like the best.
Skim milk
I know skim milk gets a bad rep for basically being colored water, but this switch can save you a ton of calories, especially in fat. Try subbing skim for whole, or maybe even 2% if you can’t convince yourself to buy skim. If you’re lactose intolerant, try lactaid- it’s the best lactose free milk I’ve personally had. Also try using skim milk in your coffee in place of creamers and syrups.
Yogurt
Yogurt may not be your favorite, but it is sooo great for you! It has healthy sugars and actually a ton of protein. The good bacteria in yogurt support good gastrointestinal health as well as keeping your lady-parts happy and healthy. Even if you hate yogurt, try some “drinkable yogurts” like danimals or activia yogurt drinks. Experiment with different flavors and try putting granola, fruit, nuts, or dark chocolate chips in your yogurt cup. You can mix-n-match flavors at Walmart for $1 a cup, or get a whole pack for under $4.
Rice cakes
Rice cakes are my new addiction! I absolutely love them. They are low in calories (ranging from 35-55 calories a cake), but super filling. There is a variety of flavors: apple cinnamon, caramel, plain, and more. Try them with peanut or almond butter and honey, jelly and cream cheese, or any kind of topping. They are also a great guilt-free snack.
As you make changes to you diet remember to go slow and add fibers gradually. As you increase the amount of fiber you intake, be sure to increase your water intake that much more. Find substitutes you actually enjoy. Remember portion control is always your friend, with anything. Be kind to your body, and she’ll be kind back!