Although it’s nearly impossible to avoid homemade baked goods during the holidays (and thank god for that!), there are some minor alterations you can make to your own holiday baking regimen that add up to big changes in calories consumed. Some of the substitutions even add new flavors and essential nutrients while they cut calories!
Flaxseed, for example, adds a heartier flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids (each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains approximately 1.8 grams of omega-3s) and can be used to replace eggs or oil. Applesauce contributes sweetness and a moist, dense texture to a cake or bread while reducing overall saturated fat in the recipe.
Have fun impressing your friends and relatives with your healthy holiday recipes and feel free to share them (or other substitutions) with all of us here at Trainer Confidential!
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce & 2 T. oil in place of ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup oatmeal or crushed bran flakes instead of 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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4 egg whites, or ½ cup egg substitute instead of 2 whole eggs
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1 T. ground flaxseed & 3 T. water to replace 1 whole egg
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3 T. ground flaxseed for 1 T. vegetable oil
- ½ cup honey instead of ½ cup corn syrup
- A combination of ¾ cup whole wheat flour & ¼ cup white flour to replace 1 cup white flour
- 1 cup canned fruit (in its own juices, no sugar added) instead of 1 cup canned fruit in heavy syrup
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, pureed until smooth in place of 1 cup regular cream cheese
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt instead of 1 cup sour cream
- 1 T. vinegar & 1 cup skim milk (let sit 10 minutes) for 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ package mini chocolate chips instead of 1 package chocolate chips
