Spring break is right around the corner. While for many that may mean adopting a crash diet in the weeks prior, a more sustainable health plan allows for making simple dietary changes to have a big impact.
Story by Sarah Hollis
Illustrations by Rachel Goodman
Here are some easy swaps that can help you not simply look better, but feel better about your body.
If you’re craving…
Ben & Jerry’s AmeriCone Dream
Try…
NadaMoo! Salted Caramel Coconut Milk Ice Cream
The Austin-based brand, NadaMoo! does not disappoint with its surprisingly creamy consistency and bold flavors of their coconut milk-based products. The rich, deep caramel flavor of this dairy-free dessert will leave your sweet-tooth satiated. With only a third of the sugar and less than half of the calories per serving compared to Ben & Jerry’s, it’ll be guilt-free! NadaMoo! can be found at HEB, Central Market and Whole Foods.
Note: Whole Foods currently has the best selection of flavors available.
If you’re craving…
Chocolate
Try…
Trader Joe’s Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Chocolate is probably the most desired craving out there, and it’s not easy to satiate in any other way than with the real deal. If you want to indulge, skip the milk chocolate and opt for dark chocolate instead. It has a higher percentage of cacao with less cream and sugar added. The Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds are a great option to satisfy a sweet tooth, offering the high protein and good fat of almonds paired with the potential cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate. The turbinado sugar, a coarse raw sugar made from sugar cane, in the coating offers a nice crunchy texture too.
If you’re craving…
Fettucine Alfredo
Try…
Zucchini Noodles with Cauliflower Alfredo
Zucchini noodles have been popular for a while now, and rightly so. They serve as the perfect base to accompany your pasta sauce and toppings without all of the empty carbohydrates. Not to mention the added bonus of extra servings of vegetables. Zucchini noodles can now be found in stores ranging from Whole Foods to HEB, and are fairly simple to make with an inexpensive spiralizer at home.
If you want to go the extra mile, try serving it with a homemade cauliflower alfredo sauce, which typically includes the same milk and butter alfredo base while substituting cauliflower for parmesan (and again, bonus veggies).
If you’re craving…
Soda
Try…
Flavored Sparkling Water
It’s no surprise that soda is not the best option. According to Harvard’s “The Nutrition Source,” research has linked soda with diabetes, heart disease, low bone density, obesity and more. If you’re missing the effervescence of soft drinks, but want to skip the sugar and carbohydrates, try sparkling water. Topo Chico is definitely a fan-favorite in Austin. Add a twist of lime for a crisp, fresh touch. La Croix also has a wide range of flavors available, including coconut cherry-lime. They even make a new cola flavor if you’re having trouble quitting cold-turkey.
If you’re craving…
Potato Chips
Try…
Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop
The salty taste you want without the high saturated fat you don’t. Boom Chicka Pop offers a guilt-free, indulgent-feeling snack with wholesome ingredients in a variety of savory and sweet flavors. One cup of their sea-salt flavored popcorn is only 35 calories, which makes it the perfect, light midday snack. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, their Light Kettle Corn flavor is also only 35 calories per cup. Boom Chicka Pop can be found at most grocery stores in the Austin area, including HEB, Randall’s and CVS.
If you’re craving…
Peanut Butter Crackers
Try…
Honeycrisp Apple Slices with Justin’s Almond Butter Packets
The perfect, go-to snack for when you’re on the move. The subtle sweetness of the apples complements the salty, nuttiness of the almond butter. Unlike peanut butter crackers, the protein of the almond butter and fiber of the apples will leave you feeling full for longer. Any almond or peanut butter will do (beware of added sugar though), but Justin’s packets are conveniently designed to be portable. They can be found at most Austin-area grocery stores, including Central Market, Whole Foods, and Fresh Plus.
