5 Simple Cooking Swaps To Make Your Meals Instantly Healthier

Theresa Gonzalez
Apr 04, 2025
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Getting stuck in a cooking rut often means reaching for the same ingredients without realizing healthier — and just as tasty —alternatives are within easy reach. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your routine to make a difference. With just a few simple cooking swaps, you can give your favorite meals a healthy twist, cut back on refined ingredients, and enjoy more nourishing ingredients every day.

Here are five easy cooking swaps to try this week!

Shameel Mukkath

1. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

Get that creamy tang without the extra fat. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, lower in calories, and often contains probiotics, which are great for your gut health. Greek yogurt is delicious in dips, dressings, or even dolloped on tacos or (my favorite) grilled salmon.

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2. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

For sautéing or drizzling, EVOO adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s a flavorful upgrade that also supports better cholesterol levels than butter. Just make sure to cook it at a lower heat, under 430 degrees is recommended.

Ella Olsson

3. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined

Trade white rice or pasta for brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are higher in fiber — and the secret to a healthy Mediterraneandiet — keeping you fuller longer and supporting digestive health. Cauliflower rice and spaghetti squash are also healthy alternatives to white rice and pasta and you get the added bonus of an extra veggie in your meal.

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4. Swap Mayo for Avocado

Avocados, an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, make a great swap for traditional mayo in baking and preparing your favorite sandwich. Avocado oil mayo is also a healthy alternative and you'll taste nearly no difference.

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5. Add Veggies to Everything

I shred cauliflower or carrots into my daughter's pancakes to give an extra nutrient boost. Sneak in shredded zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into sauces, casseroles, or even baked goods. Swap hearty mushrooms, beets or eggplant for burgers too. It’s a simple way to eat more fiber and vitamins without changing the dish, or taste, too much.

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5 Easy Trader Joe’s Hacks High-Protein Eaters Need To Try

Trader Joe’s is the premier destination if you’re eating a high-protein diet – you just have to know where to look and what products to shop for! Luckily, as a self-proclaimed protein aficionado, I have a handful of easy hacks that allow you to maximize your protein intake. I eat each of these at least once a week and can verify they’re extremely simple and so tasty.

From breakfastto dinner (and, of course, snack time!), you’ll definitely want to whip up these Trader Joe’s protein hacks if you’re trying to up your intake.

Scroll on for 5 Trader Joe’s hacks that’ll help you reach your protein goals with ease!

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1. Add cottage cheese to scrambled eggs.

This is one of my favorite things to do if I'm craving a savory breakfast – especially one that’ll fill me up! Adding a heaping scoop of Trader Joe's cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs (just mix it in with the eggs before cookin’ them) not only ups the protein content in each bite, but it makes the eggs super fluffy and never dry.

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2. Use Trader Joe’s high-protein tofu instead of regular tofu.

Did you know that TJ’s carries a special kind of high-protein tofu? As opposed to the regular variety that has around 9 grams of protein per serving, this pack is loaded with 14 grams of protein per serving! It’s perfect to use for stir fries, tofu scrambles, and tofu fries with an extra boost.

Trader Joe's

3. Add Trader Joe’s protein granola to Greek yogurt bowls.

Trader Joe’s also sells a delicious high-protein granola – and it’s insanely good. I like to top my Greek yogurt bowls with it for breakfast, though you could easily use it as a cereal or just snack on it dry. The Peanut Butter Protein Granola has a whopping 11 grams of protein per serving – the only drawback here is that people with a peanut allergy can’t enjoy it.

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4. Add protein powder to your morning oatmeal.

Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry a name-brand protein powder, though the Orgain variety is typically always on shelves when I shop there. The tub they have is actually smaller than most other protein powders you can find elsewhere, too, which is highly agreeable with my lifestyle since I live alone – and don’t wish to spend $30 on protein every time.

Anywho, I love using this protein powder to ramp up the protein content in oatmeal bowls and smoothies alike. Two scoops delivers 21 grams of organic, plant-based protein that tastes oh-so yummy.

Trader Joe's

5. Stock up on TJ’s underrated protein snacks for an easy (yet satisfying) bite.

If you don’t have the time (or simply the energy) to whip up a high-protein snack, Trader Joe’s actually has plenty of bites to offer. Here are some of my favorites to always keep stocked:

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This Dreamy 'ACOTAR' Fan Cast Will Make You Want To Reread The Series

Until we receive positive news about the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, we can only rely on our imaginations to come up with the ultimate fan cast. Instead of stretching our brains trying to find the perfect Feyre or Tamlin, we combed through tons of ideas to find the dreamiest representations of the fantasy characters BookTok loves arguing about.

If the series focuses on A Court of Thorns and Rosesas well as A Court of Mist and Fury, we think this Reddit thread and this casting idea should be taken serious if the series is given a great production home!

Scroll to see the sexiest ACOTAR fan cast we're hoping to see on TV!

1. Kristine Frøseth as Feyre Archeron

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Casting Kristine Frøseth as Feyre in ACOTAR makes sense because her execution of Nan St. George in Apple TV's The Buccaneers is nothing short of perfection. Her youthful face and steely determination are on par with Feyre's, not to mention she's got experience being caught in a love triangle as an actress.

2. Elle Fanning as Elain Archeron

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Elain Archeron is depicted as weak and fragile when she's first introduced in A Court of Thorns and Roses, but being thrown into the cauldron by King Hyberth alters her beyond a molecular level. There are several theories about her final destiny in the popular series which makes Elle Fanning a phenomenal option for this role.

She has the disposition of someone who maintains their childlike wonder, but she's played several characters who've shown why they should never be underestimated.

3. Sophie Turner as Nesta Archeron

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Nesta Archeron may not be as well-loved as Feyre or Elain, but I don't think she's ever cared about that. It's not to say she's completely heartless, but her ice cold demeanor often makes it seem that way. Given Sophie Turner's prior role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, we agree that she should play the eldest Archeron sister.

4. Jason Segel as Mr. Archeron

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If you've read ACOTAR then you're well-versed in how goofy Mr. Archeron is. He's supposed to be the patriarch of the Nesta, Elain and Feyre's household, but his bad decisions have left them in a destitute situation. The only person who could make this character real is Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother).

5. Sam Reid as Tamlin

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Sam Reid plays a convincible vampire named Lestat de Lioncourt in Interview with the Vampire which is why we can picture him as Tamlin. He has the complexion and blonde locks we picture the High Lord of the Spring Court to have, plus we're sure he could easily make viewers believe he's a troubled ruler of his part of Prythian.

6. Archie Renaux as Lucien Vanserra

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We picture Lucien as having good looks that are sometimes overshadowed by his carefree nature and sense of humor. Who better to play him than Archie Renaux (The Other Zoey and Alien: Romulus)?

7. Sean Teale as Rhysand

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If anyone's going to play the High Lord of the Night Court, it has to be Sean Teale (Mother of the Bride and Doctor Odyssey). He has the dark features that readers love, plus that smile could charm the pants off any fae or human. There, we said it.

8. Can Yaman as Cassian

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Cassian's known for his attractiveness as well as his mischievous nature in ACOTAR, so we think casting Can Yaman (Viola) as him would be an excellent choice! Just look at that face! Does it now say, "Come on, Feyre. We don’t bite. Unless you ask us to."

9. Matthew Daddario as Azriel

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Azriel's may be the moody righthand man of Rhysand, but it's for a good reason. His upbringing wasn't the best, but he learned how to hold his own in a fight and is known for being merciless when the moment calls for it. Does that not feel similar to characters Matthew Daddario (Shadowhunters) has played before?

We think so.

10. Isabel May as Morrigan

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So far, Morrigan's proven to be a girls and guy's girl. She's the loyal and supportive friend everyone should have which is why we want Isabel May (1923) to play her.

11. Rina Sawayama as Amren

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We don't have much to say about Amren because her character speaks for itself. However, no one else should play her unless its Rina Sawayama (John Wick: Chapter 4).

13. Dove Cameron as Ianthe

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Last but not least, we finally come to the cunning Ianthe. She initially won us over in A Court of Mist and Fury, but her true intentions were revealed in A Court of Wings and Ruin. Sadly, her ambitions lead to a nasty fate but deserved fate. If someone's going to play her, it has to be Dove Cameron (Shameless). She looks exactly how we imagine the High Priestess would, right down to the slant of her eyes.

Do you think this is the perfect ACOTAR fan cast? Let us know on Facebook.

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10 Trader Joe’s Finds That Are "Miraculously" Low-Fat

Believe it or not, but Trader Joe’s is a total goldmine for low-fat finds that are actually tasty. From delicious breakfast options to heartier meals and mid-day snacks, Trader Joe’s is stocked with plenty of options that make eating healthy super easy and delicious. If you're looking to lighten up your grocery haul without sacrificing the things you love, these must-try TJ’s products are definitely worth adding to your cart!

Scroll on for the 10 best low-fat Trader Joe’s finds to shop now.

Trader Joe's

Icelandic Style Skyr Lowfat Cherry Yogurt

With a mere 1.5% milkfat, this low-fat yogurt is still deliciously thick and creamy so you can feel fulfilled after breakfast. This one's flavored with cherry purée, though TJ's carries more flavors like raspberry and vanilla.

Trader Joe's

Cauliflower Gnocchi

This cauli-based gnocchi with 3 grams of fat per serving is too good. It cooks up to be crispy on the outside, but plenty tender on the inside for balance.

Trader Joe's

Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip

This better-for-you dip carries just 2 grams of fat and 30 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Yum! It's loaded with kale, spinach, water chestnuts, red peppers, carrots, green onions, and garlic for immaculate flavors and textures.

Trader Joe's

Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Tenders

Pre-seasoned anything is such a convenient time-saver in the kitchen, and these tenders are no exception. Flavored with sun-dried tomato and basil, they go great with Italian-themed feasts or just a simple side of roasted veggies. One serving is only 2 grams of fat, too!

Trader Joe's

Whole Wheat English Muffins

Whole grains are insanely good for you, though these English muffins packed with them don't necessarily taste obviously healthy. They're so tasty whether you pile on something sweet or something savory – one serving has just 1.5 grams of fat!

Trader Joe's

Organic Vegetarian Chili

This veggie chili makes comfort food way more accessible, whether you're in it for the convenience factor (hello, heat and eat!) or the low-fat factor. It's packed with textured pea protein for a "meaty" feel, so you won't even miss the real thing. One can of this TJ's find carries 8 grams of fat!

Trader Joe's

Cauliflower Pizza Crusts

These readymade crusts make getting your pizza fix in super easy! The dough is made from a simple medley of shredded cauliflower, whole eggs, and grated Parmesan and seasoned with garlic and herbs for added flavor. One crust clocks in at 6 grams of fat.

Trader Joe's

Chickpea Fusilli Pasta

Not only is this chickpea pasta packed with protein (11 grams, to be exact), it's a good option for low-fat eaters since it contains just 2.5 grams of fat per serving. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, and you're set!

Trader Joe's

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Potstickers for just 2 grams of fat per serving?! Count us in! These babies are loaded up with chicken for protein and cabbage and onion for texture and flavor.

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

This cult-fave TJ's snack is notoriously low in fat with only 5 grams per serving. It's also certifiably vegan!

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Everything You Need To Know About The 'Yellowjackets' Season 3 Finale After THAT Death

My jaw literally dropped after that Yellowjacketsepisode 9 ending. While Yellowjacketsfans are no strangers to shocking deaths, there was something about losing Van like that after everything she's been through that felt especially traumatic. And if that's how the penultimate episode went, I can only imagine what the writers are gonna do to us during the season 3 finale...

If you're trying to prep for whatever bombshells we're gonna get during the Yellowjackets season 3 finale, then this guide is for you. Here's everything you need to know!

Scroll to see all the details you need to know before we get the sure-to-be explosive Yellowjacketsseason 3 finale.

Where can I watch the 'Yellowjackets' finale?

Showtime

You can stream the Yellowjackets season 3 finale on Showtime and Paramount+!

How many episodes of 'Yellowjackets' are there?

Showtime

There are 10 episodes of Yellowjackets season 3.

  1. It Girl
  2. Dislocation
  3. Them's the Brakes
  4. 12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis
  5. Did Tai Do That?
  6. Thanksgiving (Canada)
  7. Croak
  8. A Normal, Boring Life
  9. How the Story Ends
  10. Episode 10

Who's in the 'Yellowjackets' season 3 cast?

Showtime

Given the fact that we have a teen cast and an adult cast for Yellowjackets season 3, there are a lot of people on this show. This list includes:

  • Melanie Lynsky (Adult Shauna)
  • Tawny Cypress (Adult Tai)
  • Christina Ricci (Adult Misty)
  • Lauren Ambrose (Adult Van)
  • Simone Kessell (Adult Lottie)
  • Warren Cole (Adult Jeff)
  • Hilary Swank (Adult Melissa)
  • Sophie Nélisse (Teen Shauna)
  • Jasmin Savoy Brown (Teen Tai)
  • Samantha Hanratty (Teen Misty)
  • Liv Hewson (Teen Van)
  • Courtney Eaton (Teen Lottie)
  • Jenna Burgess (Teen Melissa)
  • Sophie Thatcher (Teen Natalie)
  • Ella Purnell (Teen Jackie)
  • Sarah Desjardins (Callie Sadecky)
  • Nia Sondaya (Teen Akilah)
  • Alexa Barajas (Teen Mari)
  • Kevin Alves (Teen Travis)
  • Steven Krueger (Coach Ben)
  • Elijah Wood (Walter)

What happened to Van in 'Yellowjackets'?

Showtime

In Yellowjackets season 3, episode 9, the living adult women cross paths with adult Melissa after thinking she was dead for years.

When the group finds out that Melissa faked her own suicide, came up with a new identity, and married the daughter of a woman they killed in the wilderness, needless to say they feel pretty suspicious of Melissa's motives. Things get especially dicey when everyone learns that Melissa sent Shauna a tape recording of one of their notorious wilderness feasts — some of the only actual evidence of their more heinous acts during their time stranded in the woods.

While Melissa's tied up (in her own home, I might add), she turns on the fireplace and keeps the flu closed. Tai and Shauna get CO2 poisoning while Van is outside, leaving Van to save them as quickly as possible. After rescuing her friends, Van unties Melissa to confront her, but can't bring herself to kill Melissa.

Much to everyone's surprise, Melissa doesn't take this mercy with kindness. She turns the knife on Van, stabbing and killing her. Much like Van's literal bleeding heart, I was broken after that.

Where did 'Yellowjackets' season 3 film?

Showtime

According to IMDB, Yellowjackets is filmed in British Columbia, Canada and Los Angeles.

Is 'Yellowjackets' based on a true story?

Showtime

No, Yellowjackets is (thankfully) not based on a true story!

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5 Major Moments To Remember Before 'The Last Of Us' Season 2 Premieres

The Last of Us season 2 finally returns Sunday, April 13 after more than two years since the season 1 finale. But for the characters, season 2 opens up five years later! So it sounds like we all need a refresher. We already know that this season, The Last of Us introduces us to a few new cast members (and reacquaints us with some familiar faces), but here are the five most important things to remember before you press play this weekend.

Here are 5 key moments from The Last of Us ending you need to remember before season 2 premieres on HBO and Max April 13, 2025.

1. Ellie is dealing with some major trauma.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

In The Last of Us season 1, episode 8 "When We Are in Need," we had the unpleasant experience of meeting a man named David, who says he's a pastor who found God. And over the course of the anxiety-inducing 51 minutes, David kidnaps Ellie, Joel attacks David's men to get her location, and, oh, Ellie realizes David has turned the group into cannibals without their knowledge.

At the end of the episode, David attempts to sexually assault Ellie while the lodge burns down around them. Ellie winds up killing him with a literal meat cleaver before stumbling outside covered in his blood. (I still think about this scene, I hate it so much).

Joel finds her, and from this moment until the end of episode 9, Ellie's a changed person (duh). She's still curious and fun, but she's definitely more closed off than she was before — and we'll have to see how much it affects her five years later.

2. ​Joel saves Ellie at the expense of the Firefly hospital.

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Ellie's troubles are far from over after her run-in with David. In episode 9, "Look for the Light," Joel and Ellie arrive in Salt Lake City. After a very sweet conversation about how she helped Joel heal from his daughter Sarah's death that had me emotional, the Firefly rebels arrive and both knock Joel out and take Ellie.

Joel wakes up in a hospital room, where he learns that the Fireflies will operate on Ellie (who's immune, remember) to get the cure for the infection. The only problem? She won't make it out alive. And in a fit of pure paternal rage, he takes out the entire hospital, including both doctors and soldiers.

3. Ellie is immune thanks to her mom.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The show finally explains Ellie's immunity in the final episode during a flashback. Ellie's mom, Anna, gives birth to our leading lady right around the moment she's attacked by an immune. And since the umbilical cord still connects Ellie and Anna, the cordyceps infection enters Ellie's body, and immune system, differently than if she'd been bitten.

4. Joel and Ellie return to Jackson.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The beginning of The Last of Us saw Joel trying to find his brother Tommy, and they do reunite in episode 6, "Kin." After everything that happens at the hospital, Joel and Ellie head back to Tommy's home in Jackson to start their new lives alongside Tommy, his wife Maria, and the rest of the town (including Dina and Jesse, two new friends Ellie has in season 2).

5. Joel lies to Ellie about the cure.

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about The Last of Us ending is that not only does Joel kill a dozen Fireflies, but he tells Ellie that there were multiple immune people, and that raiders had attacked the hospital. Ellie doesn't know that the cure would cost her life, but she's obviously disappointed by the fact she couldn't help — especially since it's clear she feels like her purpose as an immune is to help develop a cure.

In the final moments of the episode, she tells Joel to swear he was telling the truth. And when he does, all she says is, "Okay."

Read up on The Latest The Last Of Us Season 3 News!

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