Try a healthy ingredient substitution: light cream cheese

It’s a common problem in kitchens across the country – how do we prepare meals that taste great, but are also nutritious? Instead of forgoing your favorite recipes, try altering a few of the ingredients to make a better-for-you version. Ingredient substitution is an easy way to reduce calories in many of your favorite meals, without sacrificing taste.

Cream cheese is an ingredient that often adds a rich and creamy taste to dishes. However, its high fat content may drive some people away from making a dish all together. Instead, opt for a light version of cream cheese, which can contain lower calorie content and lower saturated fats.

Try this recipe for blueberries with lemon cream and see for yourself!

blueberries with lemon cream
Photo courtesy of WedMD

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
  • ¾ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest, freshly grated
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions:

  1. Using a fork, break up cream cheese in a medium bowl. Drain off any liquid from the yogurt; add yogurt to the bowl along with honey. Using an electric mixer, beat at high speed until light and creamy. Stir in lemon zest.
  2. Layer the lemon cream and blueberries in dessert dishes or wineglasses. If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

Nutritional Information:

Makes: 4 servings

Serving size: ½ cup each

Calories 144, Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Carbohydrates 21 mg, Protein 5 g, Sodium 164 mg, Potassium 230 mg

Recipe: © Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission. For more recipes go to EatingWell.com

Source: WebMD

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