Exploring Healthier Alternatives with Your Food

Pizza. Hamburgers. Tacos. All amazing cuisine. The last thing you want to hear when you’re starting a new diet is that you have to give up one of these delectable meals for good. Worry not, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods, as long as you’re willing to put together a healthy alternative.

Traditional pizza, hamburgers, and tacos aren’t the most calorically forgiving foods. Let’s revisit our favorite foods with a new perspective.

Pizza - First, opt for a thinner pizza crust to save you those dense crust calories. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use vegetable alternatives for the crust such as cauliflower or sweet potato crust. - Aim for low-sugar pizza sauce. - Use a light serving of mozzarella, or find a low-fat cheese alternative. - Load any vegetables you like. - Look for suitable meat replacements depending on your preferences (example: instead of sausage, use lean ground turkey).

Hamburgers -A whole grain bun tastes amazing, is nutrient dense, and contains fewer calories than other alternatives. - Traditional hamburgers use beef that’s high in fat. Use a fat-friendlier ratio (93/7 to 99/1), or substitute with ground turkey. - Load any vegetables you like. - Avoid mayonnaise (or use low-fat), opt for sugar-free (or low-carb ketchup), and apply mustard to your heart’s content.

Tacos - Use whole grain tortillas or taco shells. - Sprinkle over some low-fat cheese.