When I go to the grocery store, it can be difficult to change my routine up and buy different ingredients. I’ve carved out a path at the grocery and I know how to get in and out in less than 20 minutes. As soon as a new food item is on my list, I have to spend at least ten minutes tracking it down, asking for help and then deciding what brand is the best deal. Here’s the thing though: once I do it, I have a new grocery store path that results in better choices for my body. So get ready to blaze a new grocery trail and choose some foods that don’t just fill your body, but nourish it.

1. Black Beans instead of Flour

Low carb can be a difficult feat but with black beans, you can still have your brownies! Sub in some yummy black beans that double as flour.

http://www.thegarlicdiaries.com/fudgy-gluten-free-brownies/ Photos By: The Garlic Diaries

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2. Cacoa Nibs instead of Chocolate Chips

Haven’t heard of them? Cacoa Nibs go through a different process than chocolate chips where the nutrients from the Cocoa plant is maintained much more than the average bar of chocolate. Now you can legitimately say chocolate is good for you!

http://theconscientiouseater.com/healthy-cookie-dough-overnight-oats-2/ Photos By: The Conscientious Eater

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3. Mashed Avocado instead of Butter

It’s an easy substitute with incredible results. Butter is one of those required ingredients that you wish you could avoid but you don’t know what to sub in instead. Well, here it is – Avocado!

http://thesmoothielover.com/healthy-avocado-chocolate-cookies/#_a5y_p=1183814 Photos By: The Smoothie Lover

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4. Cauliflower instead of Potato

Test this out with your kids and see if they notice the difference. This substitute has made an appearance on just about every health and food site out there and hasn’t seemed to disappoint yet!

http://www.foodiecrush.com/mashed-cauliflower-parmesan-chives/ Photos By: Foodie Crush

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5. Coconut Oil instead of Vegetable Oil

It’s a simple substitute but the benefits that come with Coconut Oil outweigh the limited benefits of veggie oil. It’s filled with healthy fats and is a great energy booster.

http://leelalicious.com/coconut-oil-chocolate-chip-cookies-tropical-traditions-coconut-oil-giveaway/ Photos By: Leelalicious

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6. Egg Whites instead of Whole Eggs

Needing an easy breakfast on your way out the door? This crepe recipe is SO fast and it’s only two ingredients. It uses egg whites to lower the cholesterol and fat in the recipe so you can chow down on a few of these!

http://littlebitsof.com/2015/04/2-ingredient-protein-crepes/ Photos By: Little Bits Of

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7. Applesauce instead of Sugar

This Chocolate Banana Cake looks so dang good and you wouldn’t even believe it but there’s applesauce in this recipe instead of sugar.

http://www.momontimeout.com/2014/06/chocolate-banana-applesauce-cake/ Photos By: Mom On Time Out

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8. Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream

Make some dips that taste super delicious but don’t hurt your body. Subbing Greek Yogurt in place of Sour Cream is one way to do this without anyone noticing.

http://theskinnyfork.com/blog/skinny-sriracha-aioli Photos By: The Skinny Fork

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9. Maple Syrup instead of Refined Sugar

Here’s the thing, it’s still sugar but it’s natural. So it’s just awesome. Also, I much prefer maple syrup over regular sugar because of it’s dynamic sweetness that refined sugar simply doesn’t have.

http://www.foxandbriar.com/simple-maple-latte/ Photos By: Fox and Briar

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10. Portobello Mushrooms instead of Bacon

Whoa! Seriously. Try out this bacon-ish recipe and let us know what you think. Now vegans have an alternative that can make a delicious vegan BLT.

https://www.veganosity.com/portobello-mushroom-bacon-vegan-bacon/ Photos By: Veganosity