Little Changes, Big Results: Healthy Swaps

Leading a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean that you have to change everything in your daily routine. A small healthy swap can be extremely beneficial too. Here are some ideas on how to make your lifestyle healthier without you even noticing it!

Morning

While your favourite cereal might taste like sweet success, swapping it for porridge with a handful of nuts will keep you fuller for longer. If you have a sweet tooth add a tiny bit of honey or some dried fruits to sweeten the taste the healthy way.
If you are a morning yoghurt kind of person, go for a fat-free or a lower-fat version.
Leave the house 15 minutes earlier and walk two or three stops instead of just catching the first bus that stops near your house. A brisk regular walk can have many health benefits including the possibility of helping to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol, among others. Plus, breathing some fresh air before hopping on a bus or a train is always a good idea!

Elevensies

Elevensies can sometimes become a real calorie bomb, but not to worry, there’s no reason this morning snack doesn’t have to be healthy. A small bowl of fruit, black coffee or green tea can all do the trick.
Keen on a treat? Try apple slices with peanut butter or a mini fruit salad
If you like having milk with your tea or coffee, go for a semi-skimmed or skimmed version.

Lunch

If you love sandwiches, skip the white bread and opt for wholegrain or rye bread.
Spice up your lunch time and add delicious spices into your salads or soups. Did you know spicy food helps to boost endorphin levels? That’s right – it can make us chirpier!
If you love cheese, swap heavier cheese such as cheddar for lighter versions or reduced fat ones.

Dinner

It’s the perfect time to add more veggies into your meal. It can be an additional salad, vegetable based sauce, or even a puree that you made yourself. Who said that a bit of pasta with fresh and zingy tomatoes, rocket or watercress was boring?
You can also rethink the way you cook meat or fish for dinner. Instead of bringing out the frying pan, try grilling or steaming. Yummy.
If you always eat red meats, try adding leaner meats into your diet, for example chicken or turkey, after all the latter is not only for Christmas – it tastes great all year round.

Weekend Fun

Meeting up for a coffee with a friend? Go for a nice brisk walk with them afterwards while chatting and catching up, or even better - hop on a train in the morning and plan a day trip in a neighbouring city.
Join a fun class! It can be something unusual like no gravity yoga, belly dancing or street dancing.
Experiment with healthy smoothie-making. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
If you do go out for a drink, always follow the government’s guidelines and make sure you drink a glass of water after an alcoholic beverage to avoid dehydration. Find out more about partying safely.