1. Smoothies instead of milkshakes

If you're anything like me, you have a sweet tooth and crave the occasional milkshake. Instead, making your own smoothie can cut over half the calories and save you a ton of money. Blend milk, ice, banana, and vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder to create a taste identical to a milkshake!

2. Mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes

In the frozen section of many grocery stores, you can find cauliflower patties. You microwave them for a couple of minutes, and then mash with a fork until they become the consistency of mashed potatoes. The taste is very similar, with much less fat, carbs, and overall calories. If you like, you can add spices or jalepeños to give the dish a little extra zing.

3. Plain yogurt instead of sour cream

Any time you are making a dish that calls for sour cream, you can substitute plain yogurt (Greek yogurt if you want added health benefits). This might be my favorite swap because you literally cannot taste the difference. Buffalo chicken dip, potato salad, enchiladas, or anything you would typically make with sour cream can be substituted with plain yogurt.

4. Vegetable spirals instead of pasta

There are several variations of vegetables that can be turned into a "pasta" dish. You can purchase raw vegetables and a spiralizer to do it yourself, or you can buy them pre-made. My personal favorite are zucchini spirals. I've also tried varieties made with carrots and butternut squash, but the zucchini is definitely my go-to.

5. SnapPea crisps instead of potato chips

If you are a snacker and love the taste of potato chips, try substituting snap pea crisps. They are made with actual snap peas but do not taste like the vegetable at all. They are salty and have a little crunch, like a potato chip without as many calories. These snap pea crisps come in numerous flavors to satisfy your cravings. My personal favorite is the habanero, which is perfect if you love a spicy snack.