Ingredient Substitutes to Keep Your Holiday Treats Healthy

BY Editor

Every year, millions of children leave out plates full of goodies for Santa Claus. With that said, it should come as no surprise to anyone that he is overweight. If Santa were to take a physical, the world would probably learn about the other effects of his eating habits. While most people won’t indulge as much as Santa, many are not too far behind him. Overindulging in holiday treats will have an impact on the body. We spoke with the CEO of Supero Healthcare Solutions on what ingredients he suggests would be good substitutes for our holiday treats. With the help of a few substitutions, holiday goodies can be guilt-free and healthy.

Whole Wheat Flour

Just about every holiday treat contains flour. The use of it supplies baked goods with a foundation to build upon. Unfortunately, it also supplies them with loads of carbohydrates. In general, carbs are not unhealthy. However, consuming too many of them will spike blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, whole wheat flour provides baked goods with a healthier foundation. For example, one serving of whole wheat flour contains about 16-percent of recommended daily fiber. This will improve digestive function, lower blood cholesterol levels and aid in weight-loss. While white flour contains very few nutrients, whole grain flour maintains its original levels of vitamins and minerals. 

Avocados

Butter is a delicious addition to just about every food known to man. However, that savory flavor comes with virtually no health benefits. Consuming too much of it increases the odds for weight-gain.

A healthier way to infuse buttery moisture into baked goods is to use avocados. This fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients that keep the body in optimal condition. They also contain the fats that lower blood cholesterol and reduce belly fat.

Slight adjustments may be needed when baking with avocados. While they possess a similar texture to butter, they hold a slightly lower moisture level. To make up for this loss, more wet ingredients should be used.

Agave Nectar

Sugar is another primary ingredient of holiday goodies. The way it compliments various spices can send people into a state of utter euphoria. Unfortunately, too much of it can take its toll on the body.

Agave nectar is the perfect substitution of sugar. It is slightly sweeter than sugar, but is lower in calories. Unlike sugar, agave nectar is considered a low GI food. Therefore, its addition will not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Yogurt

Heavy cream is usually the go-to dairy ingredient for bakers who wish to create something smooth and rich in flavor. It is able to produce such an effect because of its high-fat content. Sadly, it does not appear to be high in any other nutrient.

Bakers can get the same results by simply using yogurt. Yogurt not only provides a smooth texture, but also a high amount of protein. Although it yields a different flavor than cream, its slight tanginess will work well with the other sweet ingredients.

Cacao Nibs

Chocolate chips are a must-have when it comes to holiday goodies. However, chocolate chips combined with other sweet ingredients can elevate blood sugar levels and irritate the GI tract.

Cacao nibs are a low-sugar, high-fiber substitution for chocolate chips. These roasted beans are high in magnesium and contain an adequate amount of iron. While they lack the sweetness of chocolate chips, the added sugars in most baked goods will compliment their natural flavor.

Holiday baking is not usually associated with healthy living. Nevertheless, people still feel the need to indulge themselves. By swapping in a few alternative ingredients, unhealthy sweets can be turned into guilt-free treats.

About the author:
Supero Healthcare Solutions has been a leading Medicare Revalidation and Enrollment company for years. Stay up to date with them by following them on their Linked In page!