Wonderful Healthy Alternatives to Junk Food
Healthy alternatives are needed in our diet. Junk food has become an integral part of a lot of people’s lives. Burgers. Pizzas. Pasta. Fries. It is hard to resist the urge to indulge in them all. The worst part is that most people know how unhealthy these food items are. They are what makes one more prone to diseases like diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments. Junk food sets the foundation for obesity. Most people find it hard to switch to healthy food.
But, all it requires is commitment. After setting goals about switching junk food with healthy food, one must also educate themselves about their food choices. After being aware of what the worst food items are and how one can avoid them, one must then find out about what healthy alternatives are out there.
What are the worst junk food/sugary foods?
One can’t avoid everything. Let’s face it. Everyone ends up indulging in some kind of junk food, regardless of how strong one’s resolute is. This is why it is essential to set realistic goals. Rather than ousting all junk food from life from day one, begin by getting rid of the worst junk food. Here are some you must avoid:
Coffee creamers
Most people can’t imagine drinking their coffees without coffee creamers. What’s the problem with this product? Well, for starters, it is not cream! Instead, most brands deliver trans fats in the name of creamers. These are a combination of cottonseed oil and partially hydrogenated soybean. A study about its consumption was conducted, and it was found that this food item causes an increase in the risk of heart disease as well as memory loss.
Pizzas
Yes. Sadly, pizzas are one of the worlds’ worst and most popular junk foods. While they prove to be a treat for the taste buds, commercially prepared pizzas are packed with unhealthy ingredients. For instance, most pizza places use refined wheat flour to make the dough. The meat used is highly processed. The cheese used is full of fat and calories. All in all, it is the worst thing for your health.
Doughnuts
Ever wondered why obese characters are mostly shown eating an excessive amount of doughnuts? This is because this sugary treat is known to cause obesity. Whether it be the sprinkles, the chocolates, or the dough, all of it contributes to people gaining weight, which in turn causes various types of ailments.
Fries and potato chips
Who isn’t a fan of fries? Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that potatoes are the MVP of food. While that might be true, potatoes in the form of chips and fries do not classify as healthy food. Instead, french fries and potato chips have quite a few calories in them. Since it is hard to stop eating them once you start, they cause weight gain like no other junk food.
How to avoid junk good/sugary foods
It is understandable to find oneself reaching for junk food even when one has promised not to do it. Avoiding junk food can be hard especially during the transition period. Here are some tips that might come in handy.
- Drink water. Some people tend to confuse thirst for hunger. Drinking water when one feels like reaching out for some junk food can curb the urge at times.
- Remove all junk food items from the house so that even at the weakest of times, there is nothing to have a cheat day with.
- Eat a lot of protein. This satisfies the stomach and reduces overall instances of feeling hungry.
- Look for ways to fight stress which is one of the main reasons that many opt for junk food.
Healthy alternatives to junk food/sugary food
Now, the question arises, what should one eat if not junk food? Well, here are some healthy options.
Salty food alternatives
Remove french fries and potato chips from life and instead opt for baked low-carb vegetables. For instance, kale chips succeed in being an excellent alternative for potato chips. These chips have less fat and higher nutritional content. Just like potato chips, kale chips too are crunchy. Even if they are combined with sea salt, vinegar or cheese, they are still better than potato chips as far as their nutritional value is concerned. Moreover, french fries can be replaced with baked potato chips. Potato is still the central dish. The only difference is that the quantity of fat and calories is reduced due to the lack of frying.
Sweet food alternatives
The best way to satisfy a sweet tooth without indulging in sugary food is by introducing fruits into your life. Rather than having ice cream, replace it with fruit yogurt. Cut some bananas, strawberries, apples, and berries and add them to chilled yogurt. It is surprising how tasty it is.
Rather than doughnuts, eat power balls. These are protein-packed items that aren’t baked. However, their soft texture makes them a close competitor to doughnut holes.
Fast food alternatives
This is simple. Don’t opt for take-outs. Instead, make meals at home. Replace pizza delivery with crust-free pizzas. Eat bunless burgers rather than the conventional ones. Don’t fry your chicken wings – instead, bake them.
How to make healthy alternatives taste good
There is a general misconception that food items that are healthy always taste bad. Well, this is not always the case. One can make alternative food taste good. Here are some ways to do it:
- Buy and eat seasonal vegetables to realize their true taste
- Use garlic, onions, and vinegar for seasoning of food
- Sauté your vegetable in broth or olive oil for better flavor
- Use herbs and spices in meals whenever the recipe allows it
- Add natural sweeteners to the dish in the form of fruits, coconut, natural honey and yogurt
- Cook with coconut oil, which is healthy and improves the flavors of the recipe as well
Healthy eating doesn’t necessarily have to be painful. Try to add as much flavor to your healthy recipes as possible. Don’t view it as a punishment. View it as a way of living. Eat healthy. Stay fit. Keep all ailments at bay.
