How to cut down on your palm oil consumption
It might be easier than you think to do your bit.
If you’re anything like us, the Great British Bake Off will have got you inspired every single week to whip up some sweet treat that definitely will NOT fit in your macros.
Fear not, here are some healthy baking hacks that will make your bakes a lot more macro-friendly and still worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake.
Stock up on bananas
They’re not just good for your protein pancakes!
Bananas are a great way to add texture and sweetness to your baking without having to use artificial sugar. You can also use bananas as an alternative to eggs (perfect if you’re vegan).
The general rule here is one ripe banana for every egg!
Opt for dark chocolate instead of milk
Yes, we know that milk chocolate tastes great; however, dark chocolate is a lot better for you due to it containing more of the original cocoa goodness.
Throw some dark chocolate chips into your cookies, and you won’t even know the difference – trust us!
If you need a bit more sweetness in your life, mix dark chocolate with some milk chocolate, and you have the best of both worlds.
Practise portion control by using muffin tins
We’ve all been there.
You make a full cake and then cut yourself a slice that in reality is enough to feed at least 3 people.
No matter how big it is, it’s still only one slice of cake, right?
Instead of making a full cake, use muffin or cupcake tins. This will help you to control your portion sizes – in theory, obviously…
Avo-experiment
Avocado cream sounds gross but hear us out!
Using mashed avocado is a great way to get an indulgent, creamy frosting with more monosaturated, healthy fats than butter or margarine.
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Use an oil alternative
You might be surprised at how many low-fat foods can be used as an alternative to oil.
Greek yoghurt, for example, is a great option if you want to keep the same texture and moisture in your bakes, just with fewer calories.
Apple sauce is also often used as an oil alternative. Use around ¾ of a cup for every 1 cup of oil, for moisture and a little extra sweetness.
Of course, baking does not have to be ‘healthy’. As with anything, if it is eaten in moderation, then sweet treats such as cakes and pastries, can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
