Here are 20 foods that you might think are good for you, but really aren't, along with a surprisingly healthier alternative. Which one of these are you going to try?
Soy Sauce < Coconut Aminos
Soy sauce is full of sodium and other unwanted goodies, but coconut aminos are known for their impressive amount of amino acid content. Amino acids can help human health by repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue, enhancing overall brain and nervous system function and assisting in boosting energy levels.
Raw Honey > Agave Nectar
Agave nectar has long been thought of as a healthy substitute for sugar, but it actually contains 70 to 80 percent fructose, which is more than what's found in high-fructose corn syrup. Raw honey is a much better substitute as it promotes body and digestive healthy, strengthens the immune system, provides multiple skin benefits and helps to eliminate allergies.
Pasta < Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash only contains 42 calories per cup, so if you were to substitute a cup of squash for a cup of spaghetti once a week it would save you 179 calories. If you are a weekly spaghetti eater, switching over to squash could help you lose roughly 2.5 pounds of weight over the course of a year.
Store Bought Salad Dressings < Olive Oil
Store bought salad dressings contain a ton of extra ingredients that aren't too good for you. Substitutes like olive oil make for a great, more healthy dressing without all the added sugar and unnecessary additions!
Iceberg Lettuce < Spinach, Kale, Chard and Romaine
Iceberg lettuce is good because of its water content, but other than that, it lacks much nutritional value. These other greens contain much more nutrients that provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs. Always be on the lookout for darker, more vibrant greens, as those are usually the ones with more health benefits.
Cheese < Nutritional Yeast
Cheese is delicious, but sometimes it's nice to switch it up and find a healthier option for when you want that delicious cheese-taste without the negative effects. Nutritional yeast might not sound like the most amazing thing ever, but it tastes very similar to cheese and contains a variety of helpful nutrients with much lower sugar and fat content.
Banana < Avocado
Bananas are definitely healthy and contain a lot of helpful potassium, but for those looking for a lower glycemic option, avocados provide a lot of health benefits. An average avocado equals three bowls of oatmeal, fiber-wise, and they are a great source of vitamins K, E, B, C, potassium and healthy fats. Try an avocado today! You won't regret it.
Granola < Oatmeal
Granola may seem like a healthy option, but it is usually full of unnecessary added sugars. Oats are a better option because they are rich in dietary fiber and are have a low glycemic index. They also have the ability to keep you fuller for longer, so you won't risk overeating.
French Fries < Sweet Potato Fries
French fries are commonly criticized for not being the healthiest item on the menu, but if you decide to go with the sweet potato fries instead, you may actually find some additional health benefits. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin B6, which is linked to helping reduce heart disease and other heart problems. These potatoes also have vitamin C, vitamin D, iron and magnesium.
Grass-Fed Beef > Conventional Beef
Grass-fed beef is a way better option than the chemical, hormone filled conventional beef you usually see. Grass fed beef tends to have much less fat and cholesterol than grain-fed beef and four times more vitamin E and 10 times more vitamin A.
Cauliflower Rice > White Rice
While white rice is an extremely popular option worldwide, cauliflower rice has been linked to cancer prevention due to the nutrients it has that support three systems in the body closely related to cancer. It also fights inflammation, provides high levels of vitamins and minerals, and decreases risk for heart disease!
Cheese and Crackers < Apple and Nut Butter
Cheese and crackers are an awesome snack, but you can get a much more filling, healthier combo if you trade them our for an apple with nut butter. Apples and nut butter both provide a satisfying snack with more protein and fiber than the cheese/cracker combo.
Raw Almonds > Snack Bar
Nuts are an impressively healthy snack, as they are known for being filling and keeping your mind sharp and blood sugar in check. Most of the snack bars purchased from the store contain loads of sugar and unnecessary fillers that make for more a once-in-a-while treat than a smart, daily snack.
Canola Oil < Coconut Oil
Canola oil isn't the best bet for health when it comes to cooking a healthy meal. This is in large part due to the fact that rapeseed (from which it is derived) is one of the highest GMO crops. Coconut oil is widely considered a superfood since it can help you burn fat and increase energy expenditure. It is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and has the ability to lower heart disease and help your immune system!
Milk Chocolate < Dark Chocolate
You may have heard about this one before, but it is worth repeating. Milk chocolate consists of mainly sugar and dairy, while dark chocolate actually is over 70% cacao, which is actually good for you. Cacao chocolate contains fiber, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and other minerals. It has antioxidants and is thought to be good for your brain.
Sugar < Cinnamon
The consumption of massive amounts of sugar has caused a problem with people all over the world. Sugar causes inflammation, which causes diseases. On the other hand, cinnamon is full of great benefits. When shopping at the store, Ceylon cinnamon is the type you will search for, as it's high in a substance called cinnamaldehyde. This substance is known for its positive effects on health and metabolism. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to lower the risk of illness and disease.
Bread < Collard Wrap
Bread is delicious, but it can have loads of sugar and carbs. It can also have a lot of unnecessary preservatives that help prolong its shelf life and keep it from going stale. Collards are a great substitute because they are tasty and packed with healthy nutrients. They have vitamins A, K and C, as well as a healthy dose of fiber, calcium and manganese.
Margerine < Butter or Ghee
Margarine is widely known as a substitute for butter, but there isn't anything natural about it. It's a mixture of chemicals, sugar and dairy that is made from trans fat. Butter, on the other hand, actually contains a great source of vitamins. It has vitamin A, D, E and K, along with minerals like manganese, chromium, zinc, copper and selenium. These are helpful for the body and make butter an overall better choice!
Sugar-Laden Latte < Organic Black Coffee w/ Butter or Coconut Oil
Organic coffee is a much better choice because the normal lattes found at Starbucks and other chains are loaded with extra sugar. Coffee is also known for being a crop that is grown with a lot of GMOs, so it's best to avoid those pesticides and chemicals. Organic coffee can be helpful for the body if it is consumed in moderation. It's high in antioxidants and has been known to help decrease stress and reduce risk of diseases like cancer.
Gatorade < Coconut Water
Coconut water is a drink that can provide many of the same benefits of a sports drink, but in a more natural form. It includes calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium but without all the extra added sugar that normal sports drinks provide.
