Adopting a healthy lifestyle can seem so daunting. If you’re one to enjoy some seriously fluffy bakery bread, a quick burger on the road and a soda or two (or three, or four) a day, a healthy lifestyle can just seem out of reach. Then comes all those diets that everyone is raving about, but which one works for you? A lot of times, these diets are unsustainable and just help you lose some initial weight. If you are looking for a way to make the transition to a healthy lifestyle, small changes are the key to success. A lot of times, people will try eliminating food groups or certain types of food and forget to replace those holes in their diet with lots of healthy foods. With this mistake, many are left starving and craving a burger from McDonald’s ASAP. Relapse becomes a reality very quickly! At the end of the day, we have to wrap our heads around the idea that our bodies are worth it. They are worth the extra couple dollars at the grocery store to get whole grain bread, they’re worth eating healthy and they are worth getting outside for some exercise. It really comes down to respecting your body as the incredible creation that it is and filling it with all those nutrients that it needs to give you the best life possible, not to mention, tons of energy! Let’s start with the smallest step: Replacing your junky food with a little upgrade. Eventually you want these foods to be things you only have once in a while. Try out these substitutions at home and your body will thank you! Yes, it may take a little extra time to prep them, but remember, your body is worth it! And remember…abs are made in the kitchen!
It’s the one vice that no one can let go of, so don’t! Try out this super sweet and natural home made soda that will change. your. life. No guilt here!
http://www.mariaushakova.com/2015/07/homemade-strawberry-soda/ Photos By: Maria Ushakova and Shutterstock
When you crave Mac’N’Cheese, nothing else satisfies that craving. Except for when you make your own home made super creamy and cheesy Macaroni and Cheese that will make you instantly forget that you ever craved something with neon orange powder. Dig in!
http://www.recipe-diaries.com/2015/06/23/skinny-creamy-mac-and-cheese/ Photos By: Recipe Diaries and Shutterstock
Chocolate is just so difficult to forget. It’s the number one thing I crave, and I’ve learned that with making some adjustments to the recipe, I don’t need to completely drop eating chocolate!
http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/the-best-healthy-brownie-no-flour-refined-sugar-butter-or-eggs-video/ Photos By: Chelsea’s Messy Apron and Shutterstock
Are you obsessed with salty or sweet? For some, it’s seriously salty! Dip these amazing Tortilla chips in your favorite guacamole and salsa and you’ll forget about those overpriced chips in the grocery store.
http://www.thecookierookie.com/tequila-lime-baked-tortilla-chips/ Photos By: The Cookie Rookie and Shutterstock
Craving some sugary, chewy sweets? Make these protein gummies at home that are rich in flavor and packed with protein!
http://leftbraincraftbrain.com/protein-packed-peaches-and-cream-fruit-gummies-recipe/ Photos By: Left Brain Craft Brain and Shutterfly
What’s your favorite thing about a burger? Does your mouth water over the bun? Definitely not! So forget those empty, processed carbs and focus on the good stuff – the meat and toppings!
http://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/cheeseburger-lettuce-wraps/ Photos By: Life In the Lofthouse and Shutterstock
Canadians will know something is wrong with these photos – there’s no cheese curds! Please replace shredded cheese with some cheese curds and continue on with the recipe.
http://www.euphorianutrition.ca/healthy-poutine/ Photos By: Euphoria Nutrition and Shutterstock
Nothing like a little doughnut love to make your day a little better right? Right! Make these home made doughnuts at home. They are filled with wholesome ingredients that won’t make your blood sugar spike and can be stored in the freezer for another day.
http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/04/14/baked-donuts-blueberry-refined-sugar-free/ Photos By: Chocolate Covered Katie and Shutterstock
On a hot day, I just want a big ol’ bowl of ice cream. Skip that store bought, sugar packed quick fix and move onto some home made ice cream that is GOOD for you.
https://wholefully.com/8-vegan-banana-soft-serve-recipes-to-keep-you-cool/ Photos By: Wholefully and Shutterstock
There’s nothing I love more than a greasy slice of pizza – oh wait – there is. It’s home made pizza! Instead of calling up a pizza delivery, grab some veggies and some pitas from the grocery store and make this fast supper!
http://www.jaroflemons.com/10-minute-margherita-pita-bread-pizzas/ Photos By: Jar of Lemons and Shutterstock
The Cookie Monster would be surprised to know that not all cookies are bad for you! These sweet cookies still taste like those home made cookies your family makes, but doesn’t pack all that unneeded sugar.
http://curlsnchard.com/2015/09/14/banana-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookies/ Photos By: Curls N Chard and Shutterstock
It’s just SO good. Like, irresistibly good. So why not make it in the comfort of your own home, with extra to bring to work for lunch tomorrow?
http://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/asian-spaghetti-salad-sesame-ginger-dressing/ Photos By: Le Creme De La Crumb and Shutterstock
These mashed potatoes go so well with a nice juicy steak, but you simply don’t need those empty carbs and starches. Replace with some gourmet Cauliflower Mash and your life will never be the same!
http://www.littlebroken.com/2016/11/06/cauliflower-mash-with-ricotta-and-roasted-garlic/ Photos By: Little Broken and Shutterstock
When salad seems like the last thing on your mind, the saving grace can be caesar salad. And that’s okay! Just follow this home made recipe to a lighter caesar salad.
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/healthier-caesar-salad/ Photos By: Gimme Some Oven and Shutterstock
Happy Saturday! Don’t you just want to roll out of bed and grab a cinnamon bun with your coffee? You still can! Make these amazing home made cinnamon buns and feel free to add a light coat of icing. It’s Saturday after all.
http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2016/07/07/45-minute-healthy-cinnamon-rolls/ Photos By: Amy’s Healthy Baking and Shutterstock
