Spring clean your kitchen and stock your pantry with foods that won't weigh you down.
You don't have to overhaul your entire daily diet. A few simple food swaps will help you start the spring season off feeling lighter, healthier and happier. From tart cherry juice to bean dip, check out the swaps you have to try.
More: 7 Food Swaps That Slash Calories
Swap: Whole Grain Bread
For: Sprouted Bread
While whole grain bread is a healthy choice, it's difficult for some to properly digest such high levels of gluten. Sprouted bread is easier for your body to digest. When grains sprout they emit enzymes that break down the proteins and carbohydrates. This makes sprouted bread a low-glycemic food that's much easier to digest and is just as tasty.
Swap: Chips
For: Roasted Chickpeas
Sometimes you just need a crunchy snack and chips typically scratch that itch. As satisfying as chips can be, they're filled with fat, salt and preservatives that are less than ideal for training or building muscle. Swap these for roasted chickpeas and you'll be just as satisfied.
More: Chili-Roasted Chickpeas
Swap: Rice
For: Barley
With a similar consistency and cook time, this food swap is a no-brainer. Though brown rice is lower in total carbohydrates and calories, barley has six times the amount of protein. If you're training for a race or simply want to make the most of your time in the gym, make this swap once or twice a week.
Swap: Creamy Dip
For: Homemade Bean Dip
Creamy dips are laden with fat, dairy and oftentimes a host of other unhealthy additives. Homemade bean dip, however, is packed with protein and can be made creamy with little to no extra fat.
Don't like beans? Try one of these protein-rich dip recipes
