Boost your energy with these healthy ingredient swaps

(NC) Healthy eating sometimes feels like a big undertaking. But a few simple swaps can make a major difference to your health over time. Here are a few ways to make your go-to foods a little bit healthier so you can enjoy your day without the dreaded afternoon slump.  

Sweet thrill switch 
Sugar pops up in everything from juice to breakfast cereal, not to mention desserts. But it’s usually a short energy boost with an even quicker crash. Try swapping out high sugar cereal for a naturally and lightly sweetened variety and then top it with fresh fruit for added sweetness plus more fibre. If you find that your fresh fruit tends to go bad in your fridge or on the counter before you can eat it, opt for frozen and give it a quick zap in a microwave at low power whenever you need it.  

Incorporate more plants 
Swap out some or all of the animal protein in your recipe for plant-based sources like minced mushrooms or cooked lentils. They both take sauces and spices well, so they can even satisfy some picky eaters. You’ll get all their fibre and nutrients without losing protein, so you stay full and energized – no slump in sight. Pro tip: green or brown lentils will hold up better as a meat substitute compared to red lentils, which get softer and are best for soups, stews and curries.  

Cancelled carb crash  
You might know that whole grains are more nutritious than your average white bread, but to get the most out of them consider a sprouted loaf instead of standard whole wheat. At bakeries like Silver Hills, letting whole grains sprout before mixing them into dough means the bread has much more fibre, and sometimes more protein, than even your typical whole wheat bread. Sprouting the seeds also makes it easier for your body to access the nutrients that will keep your energy levels balanced and steady throughout the day. And you don’t have to change how you cook and eat.  

Find recipes and more information about sprouted grains at silverhillsbakery.ca. 

Related video:
3 tips for healthy, realistic meal planning
(NC) Whether it’s because of work, exercising or simply keeping up with everybody’s schedule, sometimes all we need is an energy boost. That’s when quick and healthy recipes can be a game-changer.

Posting instructions: 
To post this video to your website, paste the following code into the HTML section of your page.

Here is the code for the video above:
<iframe src='https://players.brightcove.net/2534274840001/rkd2rhVQ_default/index.html?videoId=6332012377112' allowfullscreen frameborder=0></iframe>

Contact us at content@newscanada.com for any questions or help.