Not all of us have the same metabolism we did as children. As you get older, your body will react differently and as things in life change with the passing years, so will your diet. You don’t have to be a nutritionist to know how to eat healthier. Instead of feeling like you have to give up on your favorite foods in order to be “healthy,” all you have to do is know what products to buy that can be a more nutritious alternative.

No one likes being told they shouldn’t eat a certain type of food. But if you can find the next best thing that is similar, there shouldn’t be any problems, right? That being said, it just takes a little know-how in order to turn your daily eating habits around for the better.

If you’re not a fan of reading every ingredient on the label and if the thought of counting calories makes you cringe, turn to these easy to remember alternatives the next time you’re at the grocery store. Instead of potato chips and tortilla chips that have been fried, choose a baked or low-fat version. When you make your next sandwich, grab a few slices of whole-grain bread. This type of bread is low in fat but high in fiber and carbs so you’ll feel fuller, longer. While cereal is good for you, it’s the type of cereal you should be aware of. Skip out on the instant cereals, especially if they have cream in them, because these tend to hold a lot of butterfat or high-fats. Even granola bars contain extra sugars and high-fat oils. Substitute these fatty cereals and granola bars with versions that are labeled low-sugar. Are you a fan of pastries and doughnuts for breakfast? Switch this unhealthy breakfast for a healthy helping of muffins and small whole grain bagels.

Even vegetables and fruits can be unhealthy if you have them loaded with fatty ingredients and cooking methods. Cook more healthily by mashing, baking or boiling your potatoes instead of frying them to make potato chips, hash browns or French fries. Avoid frying your vegetables and serving them with fatty sides like butter, cheese and cream sauces and instead opt for having your veggies steamed, raw, baked, broiled or tossed with olive oil and salt and pepper for flavor.

There are also healthy alternatives to your main dishes that use meat. Substitute fatty hot dogs and sausage with fat-free versions or turkey dogs. You can still use ground beef but play it safe by using lean or extra-lean ground beef, or even ground turkey breast or ground chicken. Lean pork and turkey bacon are great substitutes for regular bacon and pork spare ribs. Instead of consuming breaded fish sticks, canned fish in oil, and seafood with butter sauces, turn to low-fat fish and seafood like shrimp and shellfish, and fish that is frozen, fresh or canned in water and not oil.

Dairy lovers can be more health-conscious by skipping out on regular milk and using low-fat or skim milk. Evaporated skim milk can be used in soups and sauces for cooking. To avoid sour cream, you can use nonfat, plain yogurt. This ingredient works especially well with fruity desserts. There are many low-fat and skim versions of your favorite ice cream flavors. Many are so flavorful that you can’t tell the difference. Cheese lovers can choose low-fat cheeses, like skim ricotta in place of cream cheese. Low-fat string cheese makes for a delicious snack in between meals.

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