Hit me with you healthier alternatives to unhealthy foods

[4sandie]

I'd like to make some changes to the way my family eats and what we put in our bodies without having to sacrifice the good taste too much or restrict ourselves. So I'm looking for alternatives to food/ingredients that are much better and healthier for us. Would really appreciate your input

I'm a massive fan of popcorn (as in corn popped in a pan) as a snack. Takes a few minutes to do so the gratification is less instant and better than crisps imo. Fewer calories too.

It is amazing how effective getting used to real portion sizes can be. Try measuring the amount of pasta you're meant to give per person.

Big chunky salads are brilliant. Griddled chicken and courgette slices with a few cubes of griddled potato on a bed of leaves is surprisingly filling.

@PermanentTemporary sounds great, I love my popcorn too although I always buy a bag in the shop instead of making it myself. Will start doing that now as that way I can watch the amount of salt I add too, if any. Thank you! Oh and portion sizes, I always struggle with that - especially when it comes to pasta

Pasta is really difficult me too. And I have a big teenage boy who does need more stodge than me. But getting used to feeling full, rather than stuffed, after a meal is s good tactic.

Grated carrot with or without dressing is a fantastic side dish and also quite filling.

I really like salads with croutons but they are really calorific so I break up a seedy Riveta thin and sprinkle that over instead. Swap calorific salad dressings for balsamic or fruit vinegars.
Reduce meat in mince dishes replacing with chopped mushrooms or lentils.
If a recipe calls for something to be fried e.g falafel or fishcakes search for a baked recipe instead.
When using cheese pick a mature variety and use a finer grater so you need less.

Buy smaller plates.
I always feel a bit cheated if my plate is not full so i pile more on.
A smaller full plate looks looks more appealing than a larger half full one.

@PermanentTemporary I agree! I'll try the grated carrot too!

@AtleastitsnotMonday thank you for the great tips, will try next week

@AlCalavicci makes sense, I'll try using my smaller plates and see how We get on With those

Is it more for main courses or puddings or snacks that you’re thinking?

@GreyishDays mainly cooking ingredients and snacks for us. Such as using olive or coconut oil instead of sunflower oil, etc.. x

I know they are a bit cliched but carrot batons instead of crisps. They have the satisfying crunch. Add a small dip Like hummus and it would still be healthier than crisps.

Joe Wicks chicken and mushroom pie is amazing. I use leftover shredded roast chicken and it's even better.

If I’m craving something salty and crunchy, I’ll go for a salted or marmite rice cake or some Munchy Seeds instead of crisps.
If I’m craving something sweet and crunchy, I’ll go for a caramel rice cake instead of a biscuit. www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/284385005
Sorbet instead of ice cream.
Malt loaf instead of cake
Sometimes I have a baked potato instead of rice/pasta.
The fruit itself instead of fruit juice
An olive oil based spread instead of butter.
Low fat cream cheese or goats cheese instead of cheddar in sandwiches.
Low fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Cornflake chicken nuggets realfood.tesco.com/recipes/cornflake-chicken-nuggets.html

Pork and apple burgers www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pork_and_apple_burger_94249

Fish and chips www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/ultimate-makeover-fish-chips

Homemade pitta pizzas www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pitta_pizzas_20075

We did a healthier bbq yesterday - halloumi burgers with salsa and vegetable skewers (courgette, aubergine, onion) instead of the usual sausages and chicken wings we've been having. It was really tasty!

I only have salt in grinder,this greatly reduces salt intake.The disadvantage is that food eaten out at restaurants often tastes too salty.
Reducing sugar is the biggest thing,easier if you use less processed food.
Less snacking.
I use cold pressed rapeseed oil for cooking at high temperatures otherwise virgin olive oil.We do eat butter but are selective about using it,there is no point being joylessabout food and what good are new potatoes without butter?

Steaming or roasting veg can be better than boiling to maintain vitamins in many veg.There are certainly more goodness is a cooked rather than raw tomato.

Very thinly sliced potato's baked in the oven with spray oil.

I often substitute shredded cabbage for pasta or do half and half. I know, it sounds ridiculous but try it, you'll be amazed.

Thanks so much for the tips and links everyone! Can't wait to try these!!