Food swap

Devon McCarroll
Staff Writer

Imagine this. You're exhausted from studying all night and you had to wake up earlier than usual. As you pack for school, your eyes start to get heavy. You need something that will keep you awake. Most would immediately run to their cupboard for coffee grinds or visit the nearest Starbucks, but what if there was a healthier way to stay alert? That energy can be found in tea. Instead of the syrup-and-sugar-filled frappuccino or an iced coffee with cream and sugar, try green tea or black tea with a dash of honey. Beyond having fewer calories, certain teas like oolong, green, and black tea can fight heart disease, cancer, and aid in weight loss. According to WebMD, green tea is rich in catechins. Catechins have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and can burn calories and lower “bad” cholesterol. Coffee has a bit more caffeine than (an average of 35 mg) tea, but has been known to alter heartbeats Instead of ordering that Pumpkin Spice Latte, make a pot of tea and add your own flavors (like fruit, cinnamon, and moderate amounts of sugar and cream). You will enjoy the refreshing taste and the guilt free conscience. 

Healthy food swaps

Devon McCarroll
Staff Writer

According to NPR (National Public Radio), the average American drinks around 600 cans of soda per year. A typical 12 oz. can of soda has up to 40 grams of sugar in it and contains 140 calories (all of which come from sugar). That’s a lot of sugar and calories, especially when you take into account that most people have multiple cans per day. In order to get your sweet fix, substitute your soda for a lower calorie drink. So instead of downing the fizzy sugar water that America is so obsessed with, try a healthier option.  At the same time, don’t assume “diet” drinks are better for you. The artificial sweetener they use, “natural” flavors, and coloring don’t come close to helping you lose weight. In fact, studies have shown it promotes weight gain because the calories you are missing make it easier to cheat on your diet and sneak in other snacks. Fruit juice is slightly healthier, though some juice brands have the same (or even higher) sugar/calorie content as soda brands. Some exemplary juices would be pomegranate juice, freshly juiced fruits/vegetables (which are tastier than you think), and orange juice/apple juice with no sugar added.  Try replacing those high-calorie drinks with healthier options that satiate your sweet tooth but don’t leave you with regret (and tighter pants), you will be feeling happier and healthier with your choice.

Food Swaps

Devon McCarroll
Staff Writer

When you are having a late-night yearning for a heaping bowl of Moose Tracks or Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, where do you turn to fulfill your craving? Instead of eating something that will leave you full of regrets, swap out the regular ice cream for lighter, healthier options. There are hundreds of lower-calorie treats to choose from, including Skinny Cow's line of low-calorie sweets, Edy’s slow-churned, and Tofutti Cuties. Each of these has significantly fewer calories than regular ice cream, so it leaves you lighter while still fulfilling your craving for a sweet dairy treat.

Skinny Cow has many varities of lower calorie treats in a myriad of different flavors, including these ice cream cups. 

Edy's Slow Churned Ice Cream has half the fat, a third less calories, but the same delicious taste as regular ice cream. 

Tofutti Cuties are dairy-free, mini treats that taste exactly like a regualr ice cream sanwich, but with less guilt.