And Just When You Thought Things Couldn’t Get Better…

This week I thought I’d share some healthy food replacements that I love to use and some quick recipes with those  ingredients. There are so many new food that people have been getting into and I think a lot of them are just as good if not better than the original ingredient or at least are good to try switching it up now and then.

1. Peanut Butter → Almond Butter: This first replacement is one of my favorite because I love peanut butter so much and there are so many things to eat it with but Almond butter is just as good! Every since I’ve opened my first almond butter jar I haven’t eaten peanut butter at all. Almond butter contains more iron, magnesium, iron, and a few more key vitamins and minerals than peanut butter. One example of how I use almond butter is to make crispy Apple Almond-Butter Sandwiches. This quick healthy snack is fun and easy to make.

1. Things you’ll need: Apples (Any type), Almond butter, granola, and either dried blueberries, cranberries, raisins, or cacao nibs for the inside. All your gonna do is wash and core the apples. Then slices the apples into rings. Then to make the almond butter easier to apply dry one side of the apple slice with a paper towel. After spreading the almond butter on both sides, sprinkle the granola and add your favorite topping. Put the two sides together and there you have it! A sweet and filling snack.

2. Whole Milk → Almond Milk: This replacement is good for anyone that has trouble with digesting Milk. Although it has less protein it has no saturated fats or cholesterol. It is also filled with vitamins A and D.  One way I love to use Almond Milk is in fruit smoothies. Here is one of my favorite smoothies.

1. Thing you’ll need: One banana, frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), almond milk, frozen mango, and an orange. Just add the ingredients in a blender and whip up a cool refreshing smoothie!

3. Mayonnaise → Avocados: Avocados are one of my favorite foods EVER. They are so creamy and contain the good “fats”. They have much less calories than Mayonnaise, and they contain vitamin E, Potassium, Fiber, Folic acid, etc. Just smash the avocados and spread on any sandwich or roll.

4. Bottled Salad Dressing → Vinaigrette: Regular bottled dressings can be filled with preservatives and calories, while a simple vinaigrette is very healthy. My favorite way to make a vinaigrette is to mix extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and apple-cider vinegar.