Total Guide to Fitness: 5 Healthy Food Tips

Our fitness experts have given us some healthy options to help with your training and allow you to work towards the healthy look you want.

Diets come and go, start and stop but making a few swaps will save you a lot of work in the gym come January. We have 5 fantastic suggestions to help you.

Sweet potatoes instead of potatoes

Although potatoes contain several nutrients, sweet potatoes may be a better option for those watching their weight. While potatoes are high on the glycemic index, so can lead to energy slumps and cravings, sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate with a much lower GI ranking. In addition to this, sweet potatoes are packed with minerals and vitamins including antioxidant beta-carotene.

Quinoa instead of couscous

As with potatoes, there is nothing wrong with couscous in itself, however by swapping the processed grain for quinoa you could benefit from a far more nutrient-dense and waist-friendly meal. Quinoa is not only less processed,gluten-free and a good source of slow-release energy, it is a much better source of fibre and one of the best plant sources of protein. In addition to this, quinoa is packed with nutrients including iron, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc.

Porridge instead of breakfast cereals

While packaged breakfast cereals may look like a healthy option, in reality most cereals are laden with sugar. Not only does this add to the overall calories consumed, but it can lead to a mid-morning sugar slump which will have you craving more. Instead, try starting your morning with a bowl of porridge, which is not only packed with nutrients but is a good source of slow-release energy that will fill you up quicker and keep you feeling full for longer.

Popcorn instead of crisps

In terms of health, most crisps don't have much going for them. Not only are they high in saturated fats, calories and salt, but they have next to no nutritional value. If you find yourself craving a salty snack between meals, try swapping your crisps for a packet of plain or lightly seasoned popcorn. Not only will you be giving your body a boost of antioxidants, nutrients and fibre, you could be saving yourself around eight grams of fat and 50 calories per 25g serving.

Fruit instead of snack bars

Many people believe that cereal, nut and fruit bars are the perfect in-between meals snack. However, as with so-called healthy cereals, many of these bars are actually packed with cane sugar, corn syrup and saturated fat. In fact, cereal bars can contain as much fat, sugar and calories as a chocolate bar or a couple of biscuits. If you fancy a sweet snack between meals, reach for a piece of fruit instead and save yourself over 100 calories.