From Prebiotic Soda to Soft Serve Treats, You Don’t Have to Give Up the Sweet Things in Life
We all do it. New year, new us, right? But how long do we actually stick to our New Year’s Resolutions of “eating healthier?” It can be so tempting to fall off the wagon and give into a craving. So to help you out, we’ve gathered better-for-you alternatives, so you don’t have to totally cut out the sweeter things in life! Healthy Swaps
Swap: Standard Corona Extra (Calorie Count: 148) with Corona Premier (Calories Count: 90)
Instead of a classic Corona Extra, swap it out for a Corona Premier! As opposed to a regular 12-ounce Corona Extra with 148 calories and 13 grams of carbs, a Corona Premier has only 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs. The only thing you have to lose in this swap is 0.6% less alcohol content, but that is worth the fewer calories and carbs. The best part is that you still get to enjoy the exceptionally smooth taste of a Corona!
Local Insight: Not a beer person? Opt for a Corona Hard Seltzer, which, like Corona Premier, are only 90 calories each!
Healthy Swaps
Swap: Ice Cream (Calorie Count: 580) for Pressed Freeze (Calorie Count: 120)
Ice cream—the cold temptation that whispers sweet nothings in your ear, begging you to come to the dark side. When the ice cream cravings come knocking, try a Pressed Freeze instead! This non-dairy version of your beloved frozen treat is plant-based and contains no refined sugar. With less than half the calories and carbs of normal ice cream, a Pressed Freeze is just the thing to curb that sweet tooth and not feel guilty about it.
Swap: Soda (Grams of Sugar: 39) for OLIPOP (Grams of Sugar: 2-5)
There is just something about cracking open a soda that is so refreshing. Whether it be the carbonation, the coldness or the flavor, it always hits the spot. Just as easily as you reach for a soda, you could be reaching for a better, prebiotic alternative like OLIPOP! For example, a standard 12-ounce can of Coke has 140 calories, 39 grams of sugar and 39 grams of carbs. Compare those facts to a 12-ounce can of Vintage Cola from OLIPOP: 35 calories, two grams of sugar and 12 grams of carbs.
Healthy Swaps
Swap: Burger (Calorie Count: 550) for VEG’D Vegan Burger (Calorie Count: 350)
Some nights, you just NEED a burger. Biting into a nice, juicy burger on a Friday night just screams that the weekend is upon us. But what if we tried something same-same but different from a heavy, red-meat meal? VEG’D, located in Costa Mesa, is a plant-based fast food restaurant—yes, with a drive-thru! You won’t even miss meaty burgers after sinking your teeth into one of their house-made vegan burgers.
Local Insight: If your New Year’s Resolution is to follow a vegan diet, we’re here to help! These are a few of our favorite vegan SoCal restaurants: Gracias Madre, Double Zero Venice, Seabirds Kitchen and Nic’s On Beverly.
Swap: Candy (Grams of Sugar: 41) for SmartSweets (Grams of Sugar: 3)
We have news for you: your sweet tooth can be satisfied without eating your favorite sugar-filled candy bar. Case in point, SmartSweets. With a variety of plant-based sweet and sour candies (we’re talking options comparable to peach rings, Swedish Fish and sour gummy bears), you actually can indulge! Each bag of candy has four grams of sugar or less. The less sugar, the less guilt!
Healthy Swaps
Disclaimer: All calorie counts and sugar information are an estimate or average. Please consult your doctor or nutritionist for what is best for your personal health.
