Try these healthy alternatives for guilt-free indulgence

SINGAPORE — Hands up those who like watching what they eat. No one? We’re not surprised. Counting every calorie you put into your mouth is one big pet peeve, let alone being told that their favourite foods are essentially fat-, sugar-, calorie-laden walking time bombs.

But what if you could continue to eat what you like, without compromising too much on the flavour or texture, and make them decidedly healthier?

Here are some alternatives you can try:

NOT REGULAR POTATO FRIES, BUT SWEET POTATO FRIES. Opt for sweet potato fries the next time you dine out, and you’ll be fulfilling your intake of vitamin A, C and B6. Sweet potato also aids in blood regulation, so you won’t experience any post-lunch drowsiness; plus, it has a high fibre content and is delicious. It’s a win-win on all fronts.

INSTEAD OF PASTA, TRY ZUCCHINI. Admittedly, you won’t find this on every menu, and this is pretty much something you can whip up at home. Zucchini ribbons (which you can make using a spiraliser) are a great substitute for your regular noodles. Why? Because zucchini has plenty of bite and crunch, not to mention the high protein, omega-3 fatty acid and vitamins content. It’s the ideal substitute for anyone looking to cut down on their carb intake.

FORGET EGGS, TRY CHIA SEEDS. Yes, you read right. Eggs are great, but if you need to cut down on cholesterol or have an egg allergy, try making this chia seed egg replacement.

Here’s how: Grind one tablespoon of chia seeds to a fine meal, then mix it with a cup of water and let it sit until a jelly-like consistency is formed in the mixture. This is equivalent to one egg, which can be used for baking or even in your morning smoothie. The superfood is also packed with health benefits, like a high protein content and the ability to regulate appetite and sleep.

INSTEAD OF MAYONNAISE, TRY GREEK YOGHURT. Use this as the dressing in your chicken or tuna salad. Greek yoghurt supposedly tastes almost identical to mayonnaise when seasoned with some lemon juice and pepper — but has half the number of calories.

FORGO BUTTER, USE AVOCADO PUREE INSTEAD. Slather this onto your morning toast or use it as a substitute in chocolate desserts so you can get a good dose of healthy fats and greens — minus the cholesterol and sodium in fats. Try blending it with melted chocolate, cocoa powder, milk and vanilla for a luscious dessert drink.

A version of this story first appeared in ELLE.sg