Unfortunately, most of the dips and snacks that everybody loves so much often come with a hefty calorie count. The fat content is sure to put you over the edge too. Luckily, a simple Greek yogurt swap in your favorite treats can boost their nutritional value with the same great flavor.

1. Ranch Dressing

Game day and family cook-outs don't have to ruin your hard work at the gym all week. Ditch the bottle or the pre-packaged veggie dip for a packet of ranch seasoning and plain greek yogurt.

Pair this crowd favorite with a veggie tray or some pretzel chips to get the most out of the munchies. This mix is sure to be a hit because nothing is better than guilt-free snacking!

2. Chicken Salad

Hold the mayo in your next chicken salad recipe. Swapping the mayo for non-fat greek yogurt will bulk up your sandwich with protein and cut out the unnecessary fat. Make lunch time a whole lot healthier, while still enjoying all your favorites.

3. Cake

Make every celebration guilt-free by mixing any box of cake mix with 1 cup of Greek yogurt. You're sure to be the queen (or king) of the kitchen because your guests will love it and you for this simple switch. 

Now you can have your cake and eat it too!

4. Tacos

Taco Tuesday's just got better! Top your tacos, burritos and bowls with a dollop of unflavored Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Trading sour cream for yogurt will keep the same flavor, but save your taco night from going overboard on the fat content.

5. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is always a party pleaser and goes great with any occasion, but the heavy cream and cream cheese add a lot of fat to this appetizer. By replacing half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, you can shamelessly snack all night.

6. Pancakes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make it count by subbing out the milk in your morning pancakes for Greek yogurt. This extra protein boost will power you through until lunch while giving you the energy and focus you need.

These fluffy flapjacks, paired with fruit, are sure to keep you from feeling flat.

7. Mac and Cheese

meat, vegetable, macaroni, corn
Kirby Barth

Nothing says comfort food like macaroni and cheese. Adding Greek yogurt is a new twist to this classic dish that will keep you fuller longer and help your body regulate the absorption of all of those carbs.

Boosting the nutritional value in one of your home cooked favorites is the perfect excuse to grab a fork and dig in!

Greek yogurt has tons of health benefits like added protein and acting as a probiotic. Swapping out heavy creams or unwanted fat sources for Greek yogurt is a simple way to boost your diet.

Eating healthy can be confusing and overwhelming, but taking steps towards a more balanced diet doesn't always mean you have to make a radical change. Switching ingredients or being creative in the kitchen are easy ways to lead a healthier lifestyle.