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August.

We are technically on the last month of winter. I’m going to miss all the indulging meals of pasta and creamy desserts, but at the same time I’m looking forward to beach days, barbeques, and heaps of summer fruit and salad. I want to slowly transition into the new season and thought I’d start small, by swapping out some of the usual go-to snacks and food with healthier options. Here are a few that I’ve tried that doesn’t take too much effort, time, and money.

• Dried fruit (instead of gummy bears/snacks) - I especially enjoy dried mangoes and dried apples.
• Meat-free Monday - A small contribution to improve my health but also helping out animals and the environment.����
• Guacamole (instead of cheese dip) - It’s made of whole, fresh avocadoes which provide your body with healthy fat. Add some chopped tomatoes for a bit of a crunch and texture.
• Cauliflower rice (instead of rice) - It’s easy to make, just grate a cauliflower, but there are lots of frozen options available now and they are just as nutritious. Add some mushroom and spinach and sprinkle some of your chosen herbs and spices to taste.
• Open face your sando - Instead of having two pieces of bread, you’re just having one. Easy! Garnish your open-face sandwich and it’ll look quite gourmet too.
• A few bits of dark chocolate (instead of candy) - It satisfies my need for a sugar hit but it’s also packed with antioxidants.
• Veggie sticks and hummus (instead of chips) - Carrots, celery, capsicums, and cucumbers are my default ‘chips’ and I do love hummus but also enjoy dipping the veg sticks in an eggplant dip.
• Honey (instead of refined sugar) - Better for blood sugar levels, honey also has a variety of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants.
• Banana ice cream (instead of ice cream) - Blitz up some frozen banana in the blender, add some vanilla extract and milk of your choice and voila, a creamy alternative to ice cream!

“make it a point

to love yourself

as fiercely as you do other people

- commitment”

― Rupi Kaur, Home Body

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