Q: I’m a junk food addict. Can you please give me some ideas for healthier replacements for common junk foods?
Let’s get right to it! I’m going to start with chips because they are my biggest weakness. If I’m not careful the crunchy, salty goodness can definitely get the best of me. Raw veggies are a great alternative but don’t always do the trick. To satisfy my chip craving in a healthier way I usually opt for whole wheat pretzels, baked chips, soy or veggie crisps, roasted soy nuts or low-fat popcorn. A few of my favorite chip alternatives include Sea Salt & Vinegar Popchips and the Olive tortilla chips from Food Should Taste Good.
If cookies or ice cream are your thing, there are certainly some healthier alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth. Instead of cookies try regular dried or freeze dried fruit (think apricots, mangoes or apple slices), whole grain cereal or granola bars, fig bars or graham crackers. Personally I love the dried mango slices Josee buys for the office from Costco or a handful of Kashi Heart to Heart cereal. I even sneak in a whole grain chocolate chip granola bar (dark chocolate of course) from time to time. Instead of ice cream try low-fat yogurt (they come in every flavor imaginable), all natural frozen fruit bars or sherbet. I love the Yoplait Light Key Lime Pie yogurt, the Edy’s Fruit Bars or a nice piece of dark chocolate to satisfy my after dinner sweet tooth.
And last but not least, let’s discuss soda, diet soda and energy drinks. These carbonated beverages can impact your weight, your appetite and even your bone health. Instead of carbonated, sugar sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages you should drink water (for a splash of flavor try infusing with lemon wedges, cucumber slices or fresh mint), herbal tea, unsweetened iced tea, 100% fruit juice diluted in water (1 part juice to 3 parts water) or sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.
When it comes to replacing some of your favorite junk foods the key is keeping an open mind. You might have to try a few different brands or food items before you find one that you like and that satisfies your craving.
Good luck!
- Lauren
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Labels: Ask The Experts, healthy eating, healthy tips, Lauren
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I have lots of alternative healthy snacks & they all taste good to me & that is all that matters! You can always find something that will meet your taste buds if you try!