Healthy recipesNutritionWeight loss

7 calorie-saving cooking swaps to try tonight

Good news for home cooks: You can cut calories while retaining big flavor in the foods you love.


LearnHealthy eating7 calorie-saving cooking swaps to try tonight
Black beans in place of flour
Avocado in Place of Butter
Rolled Oats in Place of Breadcrumbs
Greek Yogurt in Place of Mayonnaise
Pumpkin in place of oil
Butternut Squash in Place of Cheese
Applesauce in place of oil

1 of 8

Who doesn't love an indulgent, luscious meal after a long, hard day? And the occasional splurge fits in with most any eating plan. But if you've run out of creative ways to make your favorite foods feel decadant without calorie overload, look no further. It is possible to lighten up comfort foods that are ordinarily high in fat, carbs, and sugar with some simple substitutions.

Upgrade your ingredient lists with nutrient-rich black beans, butternut squash, and more. These substitutions slash calories and give your meal a boost of necessary nutrients.

Sources: Hanan A. Hussien. (2016). Using Vegetabl... + 1
  1. Hanan A. Hussien. (2016). Using Vegetable Puree as a Fat Substitute in Cakes. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 5(4), 284-292.
  2. Bob's Red Mill. Oil Substitutes in Baking. June 7, 2018.
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.October, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.October, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Questions about Healthy recipes?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Lose weight (without sacrificing flavor) with these simple food swaps.

8 easy cooking hacks for weight loss
Slideshow

Try these tips to reduce the saturated fat, added sugar, and excess sodium in your meals—without sacrificing flavor.

7 clever ways to make any meal healthier
Slideshow

Get expert tricks to say bye to unnecessary calories—and potentially boost weight loss.

5 simple ways to cut calories every day
Slideshow

How to eat less every day—without realizing it.

5 kitchen hacks to help you eat healthier
Slideshow

Try these delicious tips to bring variety to your meals and help you reach your weight goals.

6 meal-preparation tips to reduce calories and still feel satisfied
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.