Not-so-healthy food replacements?

Muzica1959

Soooo, since you have been on MFP, what not-so-healthy foods have your replaced with their more healthy counterparts?

Pasta was one of mine. I have found that as long as I have Zucchini I can have all my favorites. I just use zucchini noodles in place of pasta noodle, I make "Zughetti" "Lasagnot" "Fettucini Al Frednot". I think it is more the sauce I was loving so much because I don't miss the real pasta at all.

Smoothies have so replaced my ice cream and shakes.

I haven't quite found a replacement for pizza yet but I hear there is a great Cauliflower pizza crust recipe floating around. Going to try that soon.

So, do tell...

PikaKnight

Not sure what you are deeming not healthy.

The amount of calories (or lack thereof) doesn't determine if something is healthy or not.

brower47

Not sure what you are deeming not healthy.

The amount of calories (or lack thereof) doesn't determine if something is healthy or not.

This. I have not replaced pizza, pasta, cookies, icecream, steak, beer or any of the foods I love.

SnuggleSmacks

Not sure what you are deeming not healthy.

The amount of calories (or lack thereof) doesn't determine if something is healthy or not.

Agree. I did switch out some of my desserts for lower-calorie versions. I'm now a Vitatop addict, and I'm always on the lookout for different ice cream treats with 150 cals or less.

Same with dressings...I started paying attention to the cals and choosing lower cal options. I've found some as low as 20 or 30 calories per serving.

I don't think the higher calorie stuff is necessarily unhealthy, though. They just aren't fitting as easily into my macros, so I go easy on them.

ggilbert95

When I say the title of your post I immediately thought "soylent".

I have been thinking about it a lot recently, I just think that Ambronite is safer than soylent, because it is made out of non-isolated compounds

brower47

When I say the title of your post I immediately thought "soylent".

I have been thinking about it a lot recently, I just think that Ambronite is safer than soylent, because it is made out of non-isolated compounds

Soylent green?

I know what that's made of and it's not cauliflower.

AJ_G

Soooo, since you have been on MFP, what not-so-healthy foods have your replaced with their more healthy counterparts?

Pasta was one of mine. I have found that as long as I have Zucchini I can have all my favorites. I just use zucchini noodles in place of pasta noodle, I make "Zughetti" "Lasagnot" "Fettucini Al Frednot". I think it is more the sauce I was loving so much because I don't miss the real pasta at all.

Smoothies have so replaced my ice cream and shakes.

I haven't quite found a replacement for pizza yet but I hear there is a great Cauliflower pizza crust recipe floating around. Going to try that soon.

So, do tell...

momofeight

Very creative food replacements! Love your names! It is good that you are recognizing that it is the sauces you love and where your downfalls are (pastas). I have no suggestions myself, but thank you for your post. Stay positive!

silencioesoro

This.

lazychristi

If I am craving pizza, or pasta, I have found that eating vegetables isn't going to help. I still eat the pizza or pasta, just in sensible portions. I used to eat three or four pieces of pizza, now I'm good with one. (Choosing less oily toppings helps too–olive & mushrooms beat out pepperoni and sausage any day!)

I've really just tried looking at the amount of food I'm eating and I think I was just eating too much before. I've got a small frame, so I adjust my portions. I started using different sized plates and bowls, which has also helped.

dont_tap_my_aces

the worrying thing about this philosophy OP has is that you can still get fat eating 'healthy'. and it really just sounds like all she's done is removed a lot of carbs from her diet in the form of replacing pasta/pizza crust with veggie alternatives. sounds like everything else remains, the sauces/cheeses etc.

this can still become as 'unhealthy', if not more so, if moderation is ignored. Sadly i've noticed for most people moderation doesn't factor in as much when they think the foods are 'healthy'. it tends to be an excuse to splurge or pig out.

prettyfitchick

Trail mix instead of candy of course I pre measure because if u give me a bag of trail mix I would just eat the whole bag lol
Whole wheats breads pasta crackers brown rice instead of white
Some times I try replacing chicken w/ tuna
Always go for the no sugar added options when comes to frozen fruits and fruit cups

seltzermint555

When ordering sub sandwiches or hamburgers I usually skip the cheese and get spicy mustard or yellow mustard, instead of mayo.

At Chipotle I don't bother with cheese or salsa or a tortilla but really love their burrito bowl with meat, beans, rice, lettuce & sour cream. I used to love their food the other way (burrito with cheese and salsa) but I seriously do NOT miss those elements of it, I really think the stuff I get now is what I was craving when I used to eat there all of the time.

This seems a little crazy to some of my friends when I'm "dieting" and feasting on a creme horn - but instead of getting a flavored latte or a rich mocha at coffee shops, I get a large black coffee (hot or cold) and then enjoy a pastry or cookie. It is usually less calories, or very close to the same calories as a small latte/mocha with whipped cream would have been, and to me it is much more of a treat.

At Mexican restaurants I never eat the chips & salsa. I usually order a la carte or get an entree that involves a lot of veggies and/or lettuce in addition to the higher calorie, heavier & fattier foods.

Linasaurus

Just put an extra tablespoon of tomato paste on your pizza and you can call it a vegetable... XD

Joking aside, you can make your own pizza dough with whole wheat flour and freeze it. Just make it thin crust and put a ton of veggies on it, and not too much cheese.
I know a couple people who also sprinkle ground flax seeds on everything since it's got fibre... guess you can also try that. It doesn't have that much so I never really cared (1g per tbsp, ground) but you can try it.
You can also change the bread in sandwiches and use lettuce instead to make a wrap. Really good with turkey.

SnuggleSmacks

When I say the title of your post I immediately thought "soylent".

I have been thinking about it a lot recently, I just think that Ambronite is safer than soylent, because it is made out of non-isolated compounds

I had to look up what you were talking about, and all I can say is that the company who makes Soylent did not put enough though into the name.

87monkey

The only thing I really swapped out is my high calorie dressing for a vinegarette ( aha every once in awhile I indulge ). I also am very limited on the high calorie drinks such as soda ( diet tastes blah to me) just because I would rather eat those calories lol. Other then that I eat pretty much anything, just portion control.

dandee1307

I think most of you misinterpreted Muzica1959. Cause in my opinion some replies are totally off topic. She never said she had cut out eating pizza or pasta entirely. I personally think she is just inquiring for alternatives, since she enjoys new recipes.

Muzica1959 - I swapped Spaghettis for Spagehtti Squash which is really tasty. Generally I exchange "normal Pasta" for the whole grain version, as it is firmer to bite (and I like that a lot). Or you could try Shiritaki Noodles.

kommodevaran

When I say the title of your post I immediately thought "soylent".

I have been thinking about it a lot recently, I just think that Ambronite is safer than soylent, because it is made out of non-isolated compounds

I had to look up what you were talking about, and all I can say is that the company who makes Soylent did not put enough though into the name.

On the contrary! (Oh, well, maybe...)
I found this on the company's website:

Is there soy in Soylent?
Hardly any. Soylent contains small amounts of soy lecithin (which does not contain any of the allergen-causing elements of soy). The name “Soylent" comes from the book Make Room! Make Room!

And of course, Make Room! Make Room! was the basis of the 1973 science fiction movie Soylent Green
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_Room!_Make_Room!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green
http://www.soylent.me/#faq
The Soylent isn't made of people in the book, though, that's only introduced in the movie:
http://www.iol.ie/~carrollm/hh/soycann.htm

LifeWithPie

I think most of you misinterpreted Muzica1959. Cause in my opinion some replies are totally off topic. She never said she had cut out eating pizza or pasta entirely. I personally think she is just inquiring for alternatives, since she enjoys new recipes.

Muzica1959 - I swapped Spaghettis for Spagehtti Squash which is really tasty. Generally I exchange "normal Pasta" for the whole grain version, as it is firmer to bite (and I like that a lot). Or you could try Shiritaki Noodles.

She specifically used the word 'replacement'. And mentioned pasta as one of her 'not so healthy' foods she replaced with zucchini. If others are misinterpreting it, it's because she has worded it wrong.

sabified

Hi OP,

Not going to go in to the "dangers of replacing foods" debate going on up there.

Zucchini and Eggplant are great substitutes for pasta- I haven't tried it but I've heard a lot about spaghetti squash- you basically roast it and then swipe a fork down lengthwise and the squash comes out in strips- as the name implies, like speghetti Could be a good replacement as well.

I've cut back on how much chocolate I've had- never really found a replacement for it though, just cut back and now I find I don't really crave it like how I used to.
I've cut back on ice cream as well- still have it now and then, though I also have fro yo, ice/sorbet kinda things when I know I want a lot.
I've replaced white bread with wheat and also most instances of using bread with wraps instead.
Cut back on butter - usually use low fat cheese spread (laughing cow wedges are awesome but cream cheese if nothing else).
Light mayo- hardly ever use the full fat kind anymore. I actually really prefer the taste of Knorrs light mayo over Hellman's anyway.
I've completely replaced cream in my coffee with milk- this is one I have to stick to or I just slide right back in to it. Would rather not drink all my cals or have to work out just to support my coffee habit lol. I also went through a phase where I only drank almond milk, but it's very pricey where I am right now so had to stop that But I love almond milk, so delicious!!!
Virgin coconut oil in all places where oil would otherwise be used, olive oil if the coconut just doesn't suit the food.

Can't really think of other replacements, but I've done a lot more moderating, eating more homemade/fewer processed foods and including more fruits/veggies and dairy than all out replacing (yes, even with the changes mentioned above lol). Eating more real foods instead of things made out of pastes in factories is something I've needed to work on the most.

ETA: technically, I guess that would be my biggest replacements- homemade instead of store/restaurant bought.... though I do still eat out way more than I should :embarassed: lol

ksy1969

Not sure what you are deeming not healthy.

The amount of calories (or lack thereof) doesn't determine if something is healthy or not.

This. I have not replaced pizza, pasta, cookies, icecream, steak, beer or any of the foods I love.

Oh yum, I have had all of these this last week and every day was below my calorie goals for weight loss. Friday night I even had a few glasses of Rum n/ Diet Coke, the same night I had pizza. :drinker: It was an awesome week.

oops, take that back, I have not had pasta, but that was not on purpose. Just hasn't been on the menu and I have never really ever craved pasta. I travel a lot and I will very seldom eat pasta when travelling. It seems most places over cook their pasta.

Branstin

I haven't replaced any foods. I only cut down on the amount I consumed.

Serah87

OP: I eat everything in moderation. As long as I meet my macros. first, then I will have ice cream, candy, cookies and cakes, etc. This is for the long term, I want to be able to go to a party and have cake, etc and enjoy myself. :bigsmile:

OP: Noticed the weight loss tickers on the comments, yeah maybe they might just know what they are talking about. Just thought I throw that out there.

aarnwine2013

I replaced a great deal of my foods. My favorite is using eggplant as the pizza crust and making kale chips in place of regular potato chips! They are so crunchy and I pefer them to regular chips.

JoRocka

I only replaced things I didn't care to eat really or that were to "expensive" calorie wise for me and I found other ways to be more full eating more of something.

I pretty much don't eat pasta anymore- it's to much work- I'm never full. so I just don't eat it- or I use spaghetti squash. If I want "spaghetti with meat sauce" I just make about 5 pounds of ground beef and some sauce on it- rather than sauce with meat in it LOL.

I also use greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo- mostly because I use that regularly and the sour cream/mayo goes bad before I can finish it off.

I now avoid the fully loaded ice creams- and tend to stick with ice cream that's 150 calories or less per serving size (typically 68/70 grams)... but I still eat ice cream almost every night. because it's delicious.

aarnwine2013

I should also add that nothing can replace my beer! I love it. Sometimes I think I run, just so I can have beer...

whalesong2164

I love lasagne but can never get it to fit into my calories count so I substituted the beef mince with turkey mince, and bechamel sauce with low fat yoghurt mixed with 2 raw eggs (pinch of mustard powder and nutmeg's a good add too). It's really tasty and low fat.

I don't think there's anything wrong with tweaking recipes so you can still enjoy your favourite meals for less calories. That's all this post seemed to say to me. And they're definitely changes I can make for life. Not saying I'll never eat regular lasagne, just when I make it on a weekly basis for me and my other half it'll be a low fat option.

EandA85

Today I was craving my favorite breakfast sandwich - usually 450 calories for egg, sausage, cheese, panini. So I subbed out regular sausage in favor of turkey sausage and egg whites for the eggs - and got the same sandwich for 300 calories :-D

If I really have a craving for chocolate, or ice cream, or pizza I usually try to work it into my day - it's usually about once a week that I have a meal without regard to calories. I tried zucchini noodles instead of regular a little while ago - and EW. NOT an acceptable pasta replacement for me.

Even when I have my cheat meal though I try and pay attention to my stomach's cues - I am satisfied with a lot less volume of food than I used to be.

shapefitter

Hi OP,

Not going to go in to the "dangers of replacing foods" debate going on up there.

Zucchini and Eggplant are great substitutes for pasta- I haven't tried it but I've heard a lot about spaghetti squash- you basically roast it and then swipe a fork down lengthwise and the squash comes out in strips- as the name implies, like speghetti Could be a good replacement as well.

I've cut back on how much chocolate I've had- never really found a replacement for it though, just cut back and now I find I don't really crave it like how I used to.
I've cut back on ice cream as well- still have it now and then, though I also have fro yo, ice/sorbet kinda things when I know I want a lot.
I've replaced white bread with wheat and also most instances of using bread with wraps instead.
Cut back on butter - usually use low fat cheese spread (laughing cow wedges are awesome but cream cheese if nothing else).
Light mayo- hardly ever use the full fat kind anymore. I actually really prefer the taste of Knorrs light mayo over Hellman's anyway.
I've completely replaced cream in my coffee with milk- this is one I have to stick to or I just slide right back in to it. Would rather not drink all my cals or have to work out just to support my coffee habit lol. I also went through a phase where I only drank almond milk, but it's very pricey where I am right now so had to stop that But I love almond milk, so delicious!!!
Virgin coconut oil in all places where oil would otherwise be used, olive oil if the coconut just doesn't suit the food.

Can't really think of other replacements, but I've done a lot more moderating, eating more homemade/fewer processed foods and including more fruits/veggies and dairy than all out replacing (yes, even with the changes mentioned above lol). Eating more real foods instead of things made out of pastes in factories is something I've needed to work on the most.

ETA: technically, I guess that would be my biggest replacements- homemade instead of store/restaurant bought.... though I do still eat out way more than I should :embarassed: lol

I don't cook, either. Have just eaten 150g of hickory bbq turkey breast chunks, cold out of the fridge, with a 150g bag of cheesy doritos. That way, I know how much, I've eaten. Once it's gone it's gone. My daily protein shake, helps me to meet my daily protein requirement, which I would've found difficult to meet otherwise. As long as I log, I make most foods fit into my macros. I don't deprive myself, of anything as long as it's fit for human consumption. I just watch macros, and that's basically all there's to it.
Furthermore, I find supermarkets a total waste of time, as most ready made foods are full of artificial ingrediences, preservatives, etc. So, when I eat out, I usually plan ahead, what I'm ordering. Also, MFP has a good list of eating out menus.

Muzica1959

the worrying thing about this philosophy OP has is that you can still get fat eating 'healthy'. and it really just sounds like all she's done is removed a lot of carbs from her diet in the form of replacing pasta/pizza crust with veggie alternatives. sounds like everything else remains, the sauces/cheeses etc.

this can still become as 'unhealthy', if not more so, if moderation is ignored. Sadly i've noticed for most people moderation doesn't factor in as much when they think the foods are 'healthy'. it tends to be an excuse to splurge or pig out.

Your assumptions are incorrect. I make my own sauces out of just tomatoes and spices. I do not use cheese on my veggie pasta alternatives. When I do use cheese, which is very rarely, it is used sparingly. Moderation is the key to everything. And should I want pizza...real pizza...I will have it...in moderation.

The point I was trying to get across was some substitutions are very healthy. If I can substitute a food that is vitamin and nutrient dense as opposed to one that is not...that is a good thing imho. Losing weight and becoming a healthier person is a journey AND a total lifestyle change if a person is really going for health, which I am. I've lost weight many times over using not so healthy means. I'm getting older now and health means more to me than losing weight. The nice thing is, with the changes I am making I am able to do both.

ValGogo

In for the Cauliflower.

I've replaced (well i've done this a long time) water for milk in my oatmeal.