Simple swaps that make weekend snacking healthier

Well, the weekend is here. So is the weekend snacking. A Friday night dinner out with the friends can easily turn into a session of cramming foods that do no good for your body. Even when playing host for a quiet girl’s night it can be hard to choose foods that are a healthier option yet still fun. Here are a few tips of how to swap out the bad ingredients of your favourite snacks to make for a less calorie-laden weekend.

1. Home-made brownies

The swap:

Switch the butter for kidney beans.

Why you should do it:

Using beans in a dessert recipe sounds gross but the chocolate in your recipe masks any bean flavour. When the beans are pureed, they are a similar consistency to butter making them a healthier binding ingredient for baking. You won’t even taste the difference! And chocolate is apparently good for you.

Why it’s easy:

This is a swap that is going to eliminate a ton of fat and it doesn’t involve going out to the store to buy a series of complicated ingredients. All you have to do is measure the right amount and put the beans in a blender. Plus, a can of kidney beans is much cheaper than a block of butter!

2. Ice cream sundae

The swap:

Ditch the pile of candies and sugary syrups and instead sprinkle spices like nutmeg or cinnamon on top.

Why you should do it:

We’re not going to tell you to give up ice cream. A big problem that makes desserts like the sundae a bad choice is all the extras that get added. By using nutmeg or cinnamon instead of the mountain of sweets, you can enjoy your ice cream guilt-free. Plus, nutmeg is an anti-oxidant and source of iron and vitamins.

Why it’s easy:

You don’t have to plan a trip to Bulk Barn and stock up on seven types of candy. Simply take the nutmeg out of the cupboard and sprinkle it on top.

3. Chips and dip

The swap:

Switch regular chips for kale chips.

Why you should do it:

To make kale chips, all you have to do is break the leaves into bite-sized pieces, drizzle them with oil and shake on seasoning of your choice before putting them in the oven. The preparation time is worth it. Kale is an iron-rich vegetable and source vitamins A and C.

Why it’s easy:

These take longer to prepare than opening a bag of chips and pouring them into a bowl but it’s a really simple recipe that uses ingredients you already have. Plus you get to be the decider of how much oil and salt to add.

4. Fruit-flavoured coolers

The swap:

Switch these sugary drinks for a wine and natural juice cocktail.

Why you should do it:

These drinks are known to be hangovers in a bottle. You can still have a round or two of fruity drinks with the girls but by using fresh-squeezed juice, and wine instead of vodka, you’re using natural flavours that are better for you and an alcohol that’s easier on your system.

Why it’s easy:

You and your guests get to be in control of the juice to wine ratio. All this takes is a trip to the corner store to pick out your favourite fruit juice. Or do your own juicing if you’re up to it.

5. Nachos

The swap:

Go easy on the cheese and use hummus and guacamole instead.

Why you should do it:

Cheese is fattening and hummus and guacamole are addicting foods that are better for you.

Why it’s easy:

Instead of grabbing the bag of shredded cheese, steer clear and grab a container of hummus and tons of avocadoes. It’s that easy. If you’re at a pub, most places will be able to accommodate requests to not add cheese and adding extra veggie toppings is usually only a minor expense.