It can be difficult to detox during this time of the year – with the London cold driving me to cuddle up with my favourite comfort foods, and New Year’s resolutions all but forgotten, I have to admit it’s hard to stay away from my beloved vices – starches, sugar and red meat. It’s one of my personal goals to shape up and get healthy for 2016, so I have come up with a list of my top 5 comfort food substitutes that are helping me get through this winter in anticipation for spring!

Swap Sausages for Quorn Vegetarian Sausages

I am reducing my consumption of red meat, so when I make breakfast, or want an easy dinner, I grill up these little babies. I’ve always had a veggie, faux meat phobia, but I bit the bullet and tried these and they are really, really good. And so much better for you than eating sausages. Great for a weekend breakfast, or for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight, these sausages make me feel guilt free and satisfy my cravings for red meat.

Swap Honey for White Sugar

Yes, honey still has sugar, but it’s natural sugar, so it’s much better for you than white sugar. Put it in your tea, when cooking, and baking where appropriate. I stay away from artificial sweeteners – no reason putting chemicals in your body. If you are going to eat sugar, at least make sure it’s the natural kind. Your waistline will thank you.

Swap Sweet Potatoes for White Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have more nutritional value and anti-oxidants than white potatoes, as well as less fat. Mash them, grill them, boil them, eat them with your Sunday roast. They are great with garlic, and asparagus tossed with olive oil and red onion roasted in the oven.

Swap Minced Turkey for Minced Beef 

A much leaner option, and again weaning me off eating too much red meat. Put in your bolognese, or make a turkey loaf. It also makes a great stuffing for juicy red peppers.

Swap Quinoa for Rice

An amazing super-grain, quinoa has such wonderful health benefits as it is a complete protein source. It’s wheat-free, high in dietary fibre, and has a low GI. All the nutritional facts aside, it’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – tasty either hot or cold. I love cooking it hot as a side dish to eat with chicken for dinner, then storing the leftovers in the fridge, throwing in some tomatoes, feta, and kale, and then having it as a cold salad the next day at lunch

Swap Greek Yoghurt for Ice cream 

When craving something sweet after dinner, I grab some greek yoghurt with a dollop of honey topped with blueberries. Craving satisfied.

What are yours? I would love to know your comfort food substitutes that are  helping  you achieve your health and wellness goals. Share them in the comments below! x