This instead of that! Healthy Baking Substitutes

We are always looking ways to "eat healthier" without giving up some of our favorites. One of the biggest challenges I come across is in baking. SO many recipes call for butter, sugar, eggs, etc.
Here are some of the top ingredients called for in recipes and healthy alternatives for them. I personally have used avocado as a substitute for a TON of things including one of my former favorites, Alfredo sauce. One of my recent successes (and necessary changes because I had only a sliver of butter) was replacing the call for butter with Greek yogurt. The chocolate chip cookies were light and fluffy and delicious! Make healthy baking choices by substituting oil, butter and sugar for natural ingredients such as avocado and apple sauce for guilt-free desserts you can enjoy any time. Here are seven swaps to get you started:

Instead Of: Butter - Use: Avocado or Banana

Swap bad saturated fat for good monounsaturated fat by substituting butter with creamy pureed avocado. Its butter-like consistency is perfect for baking and provides healthy antioxidants to boot. Mashed bananas also serve as a great fat substitute and will add a little flavor to your recipe. Both options create a softer and chewier treat.

Instead Of: Sugar - Use: Apple Sauce

Cut down on added sugar and avoid extra calories by swapping sugar with homemade applesauce. Substitute sugar in a 1:1 ratio and you could save more than 500 calories per cup. Try this smart swap in your favorite oatmeal cookie recipe for a light and fluffy result.

Instead Of: Canola Oil - Use: Greek Yogurt

For any recipe that calls for oil, swap it with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed dessert with less fat and calories. Like I mentioned before I replaced butter with this as well. Yogurt is a superstar baking substitute as it works similarly to oil without compromising texture of flavor. Replace half the oil needed in a recipe with ¾’s the amount of yogurt for best results.

Instead Of: Flour - Use: Black Beans

Go gluten free and add a healthy dose of protein and fiber to your baking by swapping flour for black beans. Perfect for chocolate cake or brownies, rinse and puree one cup of black beans to use in place of one cup of flour and you’ll shave off around 200 calories from your dessert.

Instead Of: Eggs - Use: Chia Seeds or Applesauce

Combine one tablespoon of chia seeds with one cup of water and let sit for 15 minutes and you’ll create a gel-like consistency that works as a perfect egg substitute for binding ingredients. Chia seeds also add a healthy dose of omega-3s and fiber to your baking. Applesauce will also do the trick and works well in brownies and cookies.

Instead of: Chocolate Chips - Use: Cacao Nibs

For a healthier chocolate treat, opt for cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips. These less-processed morsels cut out additives found in chocolate chips and provide a healthy dose of antioxidants and natural mood lifters. Use these in muffins, cookies and sweet breads.

Instead Of: Milk - Use: Almond Milk

Ditch the dreaded dairy and start baking with almond milk for a low fat substitute for those with lactose intolerance. At only 40 calories per serving, it can be used in almost any recipe. I also use this in my morning shakes. Opt for a brand that offers a vanilla flavor to add a hint of vanilla to your baking.

A great place I've used to purchase some of these natural products is through www.NatureBox.com. They are priced well and deliver right to your door!