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Food is truly amazing – isn’t it? There is so much to make with food that it is dizzying. Every family has their own recipes for how to cook things that you may not even realize that alternatives exist.

Every day, people are learning that they need to change their diet. Likewise, they discover that they are suddenly allergic to an ingredient in their favorite dish. You do not have to completely change your diet to make it healthier or to exclude a particular ingredient.

Here are some great food substitutes to try in your next dish.

1. Applesauce

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This one is for you, vegans (or those with high cholesterol)! Applesauce is extremely delicious. Apples are naturally sweet and good on its own. Did you know, however, that applesauce is a great means to substitute eggs and cut down on your sugar intake?

In cakes, eggs act as the binding agent. A binder keeps the other ingredients from falling apart in the pan. Applesauce does the same thing. As an added bonus, applesauce adds moisture to your cakes. Try it in your next cake and see how deliciously healthier your creations are.

2. This sh*t is bananas

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Bananas are great on their own. Like apples, ripe bananas are naturally sweet. The most common substitute is to use bananas instead of butter. For the Paula Deens of the world, nothing replaces butter, but you would be surprised. Butter provides a creamier texture and taste to baked goods. Bananas perform the same basic function, plus they are a lot healthier for you.

Another great use for bananas is to make ice cream. Whether you are vegan or just on a diet, banana-based ice cream is great. First, take your ripened banana and peel it. Stick it in the freezer until completely frozen. Add the banana and any mix-ins into a blender. Blend until the ice cream is smooth and well-mixed. Banana ice cream is dairy-free and full of health benefits.

3. “I can’t-believe-there-is-a-butter-substitute!”

There are a lot of substitutes for butter. We already discussed bananas as a healthier substitute. Another option is olive oil. Olive oil works as a substitute for vegans, but it may not be the best option for dieters. Olive oil has healthy fat, but you should consult your diet before making the switch.

Another high in healthy fats food substitute is avocado. Avocado is everywhere, second only to kale. Avocado has a creamy, yet thick texture, making it a perfect substitute for butter. It is a lot healthier than butter and gives your food a different taste. Plus, it is a great way to get your picky eaters to eat some fruit.

4. Greek yogurt goes with everything

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Greek yogurt, like the avocado and the kale, is all the rage right now. Plus, the John Stamos Oikos commercials are not half-bad to look at. Greek yogurt is thicker yogurt so it can substitute a fair amount of product. Greek yogurt is generally not dairy-free, so it is not technically a dairy substitute.

Instead, greek yogurt replaces oils like canola or olive oil in baked goods. Greek yogurt is also great for dressings such as cucumber salads or regular salad. It tends to have less fat in it, making it a healthier option for people on diets.

5. Cauliflower is the all-purpose vegetable

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Who knew that such a bland looking vegetable could actually be so versatile? Seriously – you can take cauliflower and use it in so much. It is actually a great substitute for gluten-based foods like bread. Take cauliflower and shred it in a food processor. With a few wet ingredients, cauliflower-based pizza crust is just as delicious.Likewise, cauliflower is useful as an alternative for most bread products. It saves on carbs. As well, it serves as a gluten-free option. You can try making breadsticks, grilled cheese, or even biscuits.

Cauliflower is a nice alternative to popcorn. Cut the cauliflower into small pieces and lightly dust with salt. Bake it in the oven at 450 degrees until golden brown. You can also use cauliflower as a rice, and mashed potato substitute! Again, cauliflower is great means to ensure your children eat their veggies.