My 10 Ways of Making My Favorite Foods Healthier #SmartOnes

Okay so my youngest is not 27 months and I still have baby weight – yes I know that is terrible!  I am terrible at checking labels and watching what I eat so I decided that I am going to do my best to at least eat better through food I am already eating.  Weight Watchers Smart Ones and TwitterMoms has challenged me to share 10 ways of making my favorite foods healthier, so here goes.

1. Use “Light” where you can – If I am buying something I bake with then I try to buy a Light or Fat-Free version since I probably won’t notice a difference.  For example, I buy Light Sour Cream and Light Shredded Cheese for my Taco Salad recipe.
2. Skip on Condiments – I used to overload on condiments and now I use just one or two, unless it is a vegetable or fruit!  For example, I don’t get a “hot dog with everything” anymore, I know get just ketchup and pickle, or cucumber.
3. Use Whole Grain – Whether I am baking with flour or pasta, I try to buy whole grain so we get the extra benefits from whole grains.
4. Cut back on Butter – I love butter and am not ready to give it up, but I do cut back when a recipe calls for it.  For example, I use 2 slices instead of 4 in Macaroni and Cheese and I don’t even notice a difference!
5. Buy Turkey – I buy Turkey bacon instead of regular pork bacon and at first it was an adjustment but not I am fine with it and actually prefer it!  I have not yet tried ground turkey or turkey burgers but I have heard good things about them!
6. Buy low-fat ice cream – I love desserts, especially ice cream, so when I do splurge on it, I try to buy the low-fat versions so I don’t feel so guilty!  I also think it is important to treat yourself and how can you not be happy with ice cream!
7. Add in vegetables – I like to add in shredded carrots into our pasta sauce for the extra vegetable benefits.  I also just heard about a black bean brownie recipe that I am dying to try!
8. Use 1% milk – Now I am not a big milk drinker but I know how important it is so I buy 1% for my breakfast cereal and to cook with.  I tried skim milk but I prefer 1% and I figure it is better than Whole Milk!
9. Make homemade dips and salsa – I love to dip and dips and salsas are my weakness.  I prefer to make them homemade when possible because that way I know what is in them and can substitute healthier versions or ingredients.  I feel like if I buy them then I don’t really know what is in then and can’t control the fat/sodium/sugar content.
10. Cook as a family – I have found that by including my kids and husband in cooking that they eat more!  I also like that I am showing them healthy ingredients and ways to cook so they understand that there are healthy ways to make their favorite dishes.

So I am definitely not an expert when it comes to eating right and healthy, but I do try where I can and am slowing picking up new ways.  I want to make sure myself and family all stay healthy and active, and one way I can contribute is through what we all eat!  I feel that it is important to think about what you are eating and understand how it can hurt or impact you in the future.  I know I wish I would have learned some healthier recipes a few years ago because now I have to eat right and backtrack to loose all my extra weight!

Do you have any tips for how you make healthier versions of your favorite dishes?

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure:  I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and WeightWatchers SmartOnes blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.