After all the holiday indulgences, it’s time to think healthy.
The American Heart Association recommends these healthy substitutions:
• Instead of butter, use vegetable oil or substitute equal parts unsweetened applesauce when baking.
• Use a lower-calorie sugar substitute.
• Use low-fat or nonfat milk instead of whole milk or heavy cream.
• Instead of only white flour, use half white and half whole-wheat flour.
• Instead of adding chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries.
• Use extracts like vanilla, almond and peppermint to add flavor, instead of sugar or butter.
• Use whole-grain breads, rice and pasta instead of white.
• Bake, grill or steam vegetables 
instead of frying.
• Compare labels of your ingredients, and choose products with lower amounts of sodium and added sugars.
• Use spices, fresh herbs and citrus juice to flavor foods and drinks instead of excess salt and added sugars.
 Next week: Continue a new, healthier year