Swapping to Make your Baking Healthy
When it comes to baked goods, we often only think of sugary cakes and glazed treats, but just because something is baked doesn't mean it has to be unhealthy. With several simple substitutes, you can turn your favorite baked goods recipe into a nutrient-packed goodie you'll feel better after enjoying. While eating healthy foods that nourish your body is essential, completely depriving yourself of occasional indulgences is unnecessary.
Instead of Butter or Oil: Avocado, Pumpkin, or Banana
Avocados have those healthy fats your body needs, plus loads of nutrients. If you replace even half the butter with pureed or mashed avocado, you'll still have delicious cookies, muffins, and cakes. For cakes, in particular, reduce the baking temperature by 25% to keep them from rising too high in the center.
Canned pumpkin, the pure stuff, can also replace your butter and add more nutrition. If fall is your favorite time of year, you can make pumpkin-flavored treats any time by using organic canned pumpkins. Use an equal amount to replace butter or oil for cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread.
Bananas are great, too, especially if you have to replace oil in a recipe. They're also naturally sweet while being high in fiber and potassium. Mash up a banana and let it take over the job in your recipe of butter or oil. However, be advised that it's not the best swap for anything with citrus flavors.
Instead of Eggs: Chia Seeds
For certain health conditions, cutting down on your cholesterol intake is a good idea. And if you're trying to go vegan, eggs are definitely off the list. You can use chia seeds, which give you omega-3 fatty acids and help make those baked goodies healthier.
Instead of Flour: Black Beans
A healthier way to make brownies, cookies, and cakes is using black beans instead of flour. They have tons of protein, so these treats taste great and fill you up. You'll want to take an equal amount of the black beans (they should be rinsed, cooked, drained, and pureed first) to replace that processed white flour.
Instead of Sugar: Honey or Pure Vanilla Extract
There are many reasons to avoid sugar, including the fact that it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and contribute to tooth decay. For this reason, many people are looking for substitutes that will allow them to enjoy the sweet taste of sugar without negative consequences. Two popular alternatives are honey and pure vanilla extract. Both of these options have a sweetness that can be used to replace sugar in many recipes, and they both offer some antioxidants that sugar does not.
Instead of Chocolate Chips: Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are an excellent replacement for chocolate chips because they have iron, fiber, and many antioxidants. Anything you make that calls for chocolate chips can be swapped for cacao nibs. Use a 1:1 ratio and see how much you love your cookies, muffins, pancakes, cakes, and other creations with this nutritious swap.
If you're struggling to eat intuitively, it's okay to seek help from a professional who can help you get started. Intuitive eating is a process that takes time and practice. When you start eating intuitively, you'll likely find that you have more energy, better digestion, and a healthier relationship with food.
What are your thoughts on intuitive eating? Have you tried it before? Hit reply and let me know.
Remember - Food As Medicine is how I teach my clients to begin their journey in healing!
Here are a few tips from my Youtube Channel Click Here
As promised, here is the link for the coffee and teas I use daily, Organo
For additional information: Join the Aging Well for Longevity Community; many new things will enlighten the ending of the Summer. Topics will include - How to Make Healthy Habits Stick, How to Include More Veggies into Your Meals, Mediterranean Diet Staples to Help You Stock Your Kitchen, and Protein Staples to Keep in Your Pantry. You will also have the experience of learning informative wellness information and discussions, including body, mind, and spirit, to ensure you and your family a healthy life.
Thank you, and have a healthy, happy week!
Kathy Morris
Symplicity Wellness
If you need support with any of these issues, please get in touch with me:
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