Healthy alternatives to 8 of your everyday food items

We've put together a few recipes for various courses which are healthier than your calorie-laden options.

Food can affect your health and influence how you feel and look. Filling your diet with foods that are low in sodium, sugar and fat can control blood sugar, blood pressure and also aid in your weight loss efforts. However, if you thought these foods are unpalatable and can t be enjoyed, think again. Healthy eating is all about eating intelligently. Many foods that are high in minerals and low in sodium, fat and sugar are both delicious and healthful. Just a few changes to your food choices and the way you cook can lead you to a path of good health. Here are a few recipes we've put together for various courses which could be either healthier ways to cook everyday stuff or could replace some of the calorie-laden options we end up eating:

• Junk your cheese spreads for a healthy chunky vegetable spread. This spread is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Your kids are sure to love it!
• Have kids that love instant two-minute noodles? Get them to eat healthier chapati masala noodles instead. And yes, you could use those leftover chapatis for this.
• Don't want to cook an elaborate meal? The Red lentil (masoor dal) rice could be the answer. Healthy and nutrition-packed, this is a very easy-to-make recipe too.
• Love pasta but feel guilty indulging in some? The Low-cal chunky tomato pasta is a great option. Not only is this pasta low in fat but also high in fibre.
• When you think of Dal Makhni, all you can imagine is butter floating in the gravy or vice versa. Here's the healthier version of Dal-makhani you can indulge in more often.
• Instead of having a deep fried entr e here is a low calorie spinach dumpling you could try. This lip-smacking snack will provide you with the goodness of all the vitamins.
• Have a sweet tooth? Try out this low cal, super-healthy gajar halwa. Carrots are a good source of essential vitamins and also have antioxidants which are good for our system
• Love your bhindi masala but worried about the oil content? Try this oil-free bhindi masala . The lady s finger is first cooked in a pressure cooker and then in a non-stick thick bottomed pan to make it oil-free.

Image source: Getty Images

---

For more articles on healthy recipes, visit our healthy recipessection. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.