
One of the best tricks to losing weight is substitution. It means replacing fattening foods with low-calorie substitutes. By swapping certain foods with their healthier counterparts, you take in fewer calories. And if you’re committed to healthy eating to lose weight, consider these fantastic food substitutes:
Replacing Full Cream Milk with Almond Milk
Although milk is a part of a healthy diet, too much of it can elevate the body’s cholesterol level. Full cream milk or whole milk, in particular, is fattening too. If you can’t give up on milk but you’re watching what you eat, turn to nut or grain milk like almond milk.
Almond milk mimics the creaminess and richness of full cream milk but without the calories. And unlike full cream milk, almond milk contains beneficial fats that keep the heart and brain healthy! Best of all, almond milk is also a great source of protein.
Replacing Full-Fat Cheese with Cottage Cheese
If you love soft cheeses like ricotta, brie or camembert but you’re controlling your caloric consumption, get cottage cheese instead. Cottage cheese tastes similar to camembert or brie but without the added calories. Just spread the cottage cheese on whole-wheat bread, add your favorite (low-calorie) toppings and you’re all set!

Replacing White Pasta with Veggie Pasta
You can always swap white pasta with whole wheat pasta to minimize your caloric intake. But if you want to lose even more weight, replace white and whole wheat pasta with veggie pasta. You can grate zucchini and use it as a pasta replacement.
Zucchini is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s also incredibly low in carbohydrates and calories. Any type of veggie pasta makes for a filling, guilt-free pasta treat!
Replacing Ice Cream with Frozen Yogurt
We all scream for ice cream but not when we’re trying to lose weight. If you’ve been craving for ice cream but you don’t want to go overboard, turn to fro-yo instead!
Frozen yogurt will satisfy your cravings for ice cream without the unwanted calories. It also contains more protein, calcium and probiotics than ice cream. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that improve digestion and promotes weight loss. Just add a scoop of fro-yo to a serving bowl then get a handful of berries and nuts for a delicious (and fast) dessert!
Replacing Cocktails with Red Wine
If you can’t end the day without a nightcap, don’t drink cocktails. Cocktails contain unwanted calories from syrups, preservatives, and natural sugars. Drink a glass of red wine instead. Red wine contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than cocktails. It’s also loaded with antioxidant Revestrol, which keeps the heart and arteries healthy!
Replacing Salad Dressing with Vinaigrette
You might think that a bowl of salad is healthy, but the dressing is adding enormous calories! To make your salads tastier without the unwanted calories, flavor it with vinaigrette instead. Just toss your salad with balsamic vinegar spiked with a little lemon juice. Vinaigrette is low in fat, cholesterol and calories. It promotes weight loss and adds distinct flavor to your favorite salads.
Replacing Red Meat with White Meat
Red meat is packed with protein but high in calories and cholesterol. Use white meat instead. Chicken breasts, fish, poultry, all these contain lean protein but less fat and calories than pork, beef or veal.