How do you eat healthy while still eating what you want? Nutrition Expert Lauren Collins helped us out with these 5 fresh ways to change up our meals for the better!
1. INSTEAD OF USING RICE, MAKE CAULIFLOWER RICE.
Simply pulse raw cauliflower in blender or food processor into rice size pieces. Sautee with seasonings of your choice just like rice!
Love fried rice? Add an egg!
2. TRYING TO CUT DOWN ON MEAT BUT UNSURE OF WHERE TO START?
A good way to transition, use half the meat the recipe calls for and the other half chopped mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa. All three provide a protein option that is not only meat free but tasty! To ensure a proper ratio cook mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa beforehand.
1 cup cooked grain or mushroom = 8 oz. meat.
3. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND USE SOME FLAVOR!
Salt and pepper isn’t the only way to season food. Enhance your taste buds by cooking with fresh herbs. Simply add fresh basil to your next Asian or Italian dish. Instead of relying on taco sauce, use chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice on your next Mexican inspired dish. Welcome to the Flavor Party!
4. LETTUCE TURNIP THE BEET!
Let me guess, you have eaten lettuce and beets but have never tried turnips? Turnips are a great potato substitute packed with Vitamin C. Great in potato soup, potato mash, or even roasted! Next time you make mashed potatoes try using half the amount of potatoes and use turnips instead.
5. SUBSTITUTE THE MAYO IN COLESLAW AND POTATO SALAD!
Try using avocado as a creamy base instead of mayo in your potato salad and cole slaw! Add a few extra ingredients for Mexican themed slaw, perfect for fish tacos!
Lauren Collins, RD is an Indianapolis-based private practice Registered Dietitian whose goal is to help others find a healthy relationship with food. She focuses on her love of food on guiding people to renovate their plate in an enjoyable and healthier way, find out more at Renovate Your Plate!