Holiday baked goods often take center stage during the
season's preparations. Maybe you do have a large life insurance policy, but
that's not an excuse to load up on unhealthy baked goods this year. With a few
simple substitutions, your goodies are heart healthy and yummy tasting.
1.
Reduce fat in cakes and cookies when you use
applesauce in place of the fats like shortening, butter, margarine or oil. You
can also use three smashed ripe bananas as a substitute for 1/2 cup fat. While
this tip boosts your heart's health, it also increases your vitamin C or
potassium intake and ensures all your holiday goodies are moist.
2.
Lower cholesterol by substituting several tablespoons
of white refined flour with oat bran. The texture of your baked goods remains
unaffected, but their health benefits skyrocket.
3.
Increase antioxidants when you substitute one
ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate with three tablespoons of antioxidant-rich
cocoa and one tablespoon of canola oil. Why is this substitution important?
Antioxidants may lower harmful LDL cholesterol and reduce your heart attack
risk.
4.
Boost omega-3 fats and antioxidants in your
holiday diet when you add chopped walnuts to cookies, cakes and pies. Out of
all the nuts on your grocery store shelf, these nuts pack the most powerful
antioxidant punch. They taste great, too.
5.
Consume more fiber by substituting whole wheat
flour for half of the white refined flour in your baking recipes. The extra
fiber helps you stay regular and reduces holiday bloat, but this important
nutrient also lowers your cholesterol, regulates blood sugar and controls
weight.
Which holiday goodies are you most excited about eating this
year? Make a few simple changes to your ingredients list as you create health
healthy desserts. Then, consider using these heart healthy switches in your
baking year round as you improve your health and wellbeing.