Whether you want to save money, shrink your waistline, or generally feel better, there are healthier alternatives to what you buy at the store. This is because store products often contain extras, and health brands are much more expensive. So try making these yourself at home.
Spreads and Jams
Jams and spreads are great because they are so convenient and taste amazing. Yet the ones you typically buy when you go shopping, such as cheese spreads, strawberry jam, and even butter, often contain a lot more than you think. For example, jams contain a lot more sugar than necessary. And spreads contain preservatives for longer shelf life. But you can learn how to make ricotta cheese spread and other food staples that only contain the additives you want.
Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades
Please don’t waste your money buying jars of sauces and marinades and packets of seasonings and rubs. If you look around, you probably already have everything you need somewhere in the back of your cupboard. For example, you can make a simple BBQ sauce by combining brown sugar with garlic powder and tomato ketchup. This goes sticky when you cook it and is great for marinating meat. Or mix different herbs and spices for dry rub BBQ blends.
Healthier Alternatives Includes Chocolate
Chocolate is a massive commodity. Even in small countries such as the UK, the industry is worth $4 billion. Yet as soothing as your favorite store-bought bar might be, it contains all the things that cause obesity. A standard milk chocolate bar is high in fat, sugar, and sometimes salt. Switching to dark chocolate alternatives is a better way to go as it contains less of these and is antioxidant. On a better note, Cadbury has just announced a 75% less fat and sugar bar.
Fast Food Recipes
Who doesn’t love visiting a fast food joint now and then? You know it’s wrong. But it’s so good. And the odd treat won’t harm you. However, overindulging in pizzas, burgers, and hotdogs will. Yet the strange thing is that you can make your own much healthier. This is because the ingredients are often pre-prepared and contain trans fats, preservatives, added sugar, and salt. At home, you have direct control when you make your own fresh pizzas and burger patties.
Create Your Own Drinks
Further to fast food, it’s always better with a fizzy drink with too much sugar, right? And don’t think diet drinks are any better. They may have fewer calories, but the long-term effects of sweeteners like stevia and aspartame are pretty bad for you. Fortunately, you can create your own. You can buy a carbonator, such as a Soda Stream, and add fresh juice to fizzy water. And make your own cocktails and mocktails with fresh ingredients rather than store-bought mixers.
Summary
You can save a little and cut down on sugar and fat with healthier alternatives to store products. You can make your own spreads and jams, switch to dark chocolate and make fizzy drinks.
