1. Water Instead of Soda

A hydrated body is a healthy body, and a hydrated dieter is less likely to over-eat. But the best hydration comes from water, and most of us are loading up on soda, which is mostly empty calories. Skip the sugar-rich calories and opt for water instead… and if you’re considering swapping regular soda for diet, don’t do it. Diet soda may be lean on calories, but it’s also loaded with nasty chemicals. Make a clean swap, and skip soda in favor of water.

2. Mixed Fruit Juice Instead of Soda

Okay, I know. Water is boring, especially since you’re so used to sugary soda. Make this food swap instead, then, and choose natural, no-sugar-added mixed fruit juice instead or soda. Mixed fruit juice, especially if it contains no added sugar, is a great way to get vitamins A and C, which are excellent antioxidants.

3. Veggies Instead of Crisps

My dietary weakness: crisps. So I’ve made the food swap from crisps to crunchy, savory veggies, sometimes dipped in a little low-cal ranch, but most often on their own. Veggies are tasty and filling, and aren’t loaded with fat, like most crisps.

4. Fruit Instead of Sweets

Oh, what’s a girl with a sweet tooth to do? Swap the sweets for a handful of berries, that’s what! Fresh fruits are loaded with so many nutrients, including vitamins (to perk you up) and fiber (to keep you feeling full, and to help with digestion). Yes, they do contain sugar, but it’s natural sugar, and it goes hand-in-hand with the nutrients, so it’s a much better choice than candies or other sweet snacks.

5. Whole Grain Bread Instead of White

White bread is not only tasteless and flimsy, it’s also been leeched of its nutrients, literally, with bleach. Whole grain bread, on the other hand, is made with the nutrient-rich whole grain (as the name implies) and is not bleached. It’s also filled with fiber, a dieter’s friend, which makes you feel fuller, longer, and aids in healthy digestion. So swap your nasty white bread for wholesome, tasty whole grains instead. Food swap complete!

6. Skim Instead of Full-fat Dairy

I love cheese, so this food swap makes total sense, since I can’t give it up entirely. I’ve swapped whole milk for skim, and whole cheese for 2%. It’s just as delicious, and it still contains all of the vitamin D and calcium my body needs.

7. Dark Instead of Milk Chocolate

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Recent studies have shown that a small piece of dark chocolate a few times a week can provide the advantages of antioxidants and a mood boost. The key to this food swap? The dark chocolate must be small (about 3 melt-in-your-mouth ounces) and it must be 70% pure cocao. Seems fair, though, doesn’t it?

8. Cooking at Home Instead of Dining out

Why cook at home, rather than dining out? Several reasons. First, if you’re cooking the meal yourself, you’ll know exactly what’s going in it. Second, you’ll be more aware of portion size (most restaurants serve two meals on one plate!) and third, it’s a lost more budget-friendly!

See, sweetie, it’s completely possible to diet without following a confusing plan… just makes these simple food swaps and you’ll be on the right track… add regular exercise, and you’ll be doing great! Which of these food swaps will you make first? Or do you have another food swap to suggest?

Top Image Source: weheartit.com