It’s not uncommon to crave unhealthy food, especially if you’re trying to eat clean. Even people who eat exceptionally healthy still get the occasional craving. Often, it’s just our bodies alerting us that it lacks some form of mineral or vitamin.
Although we’re allowed to enjoy some of our guiltiest pleasures now and then, we must make sure we aren’t making our junk-food indulgences a habit. This makes it especially important to know what to turn to instead when these desires strike.
Next time you’re craving junk food, eat one of these alternatives instead.
Snack Bar
Many snack bars are high-sugar junk foods. It’s possible to find or even make healthy ones that add lots of beneficial nutrients to your diet. Make sure the snack bars you choose have minimal processing and contain whole foods like fruit or oats. Check the label to make sure it doesn’t have any added sugars.
Iced Tea
If you’re craving a soda, it could just be that you’re thirsty. However, sometimes we feel for something else other than regular water. If you’re thirsty, choose something healthier, like iced tea or carbonated water without the added sugars. Add lots of ice and fruit slices to make it feel like more of a treat.
Homemade Burger
Hungry for a burger? There are a few ways to make it healthier than your local hamburger joint. Add bulk to your burger by piling on veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, chile peppers, and onions. Choose one high-calorie ingredient (like cheese or avocado) and add it in small amounts. Use condiments in small quantities. As for the buns, you can forgo the bread altogether and use lettuce leaves instead.
Nutritional Yeast
Try replacing anything cheesy with low-fat, low sodium versions. Nutritional yeast, which is a nutty, savory food, can lend a cheesy flavor to anything. Plus, it’s rich in B-complex vitamins. However, when you have a pizza craving and need the real thing, make your own at home with whole wheat pizza dough and load it with lots of vegetables.
Banana Ice Cream
Make yourself this healthy alternative if you are craving sweets and creamy ice cream. Banana ice cream is made by blending ripe bananas in a food processor and freezing them for at least an hour. It’s not only creamy and full of flavor, but it’s also much lower in calories and higher in fiber than regular ice cream. To make it more interesting, add other ingredients like milk, fruit, or spices.
These healthy options can satisfy your body and serve as nutritious additions to your diet when you’re craving junk food. Try meal planning and have healthy snacks on hand to stop yourself from heading to a fast-food restaurant.
[RECIPE] BACON JALAPEÑO CHEESE BALL APPETIZER
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic when possible):
- 8 thick-cut slices of bacon (look for pasture-raised)
- 1/2 large jalapeño pepper, finely minced, divided
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 c. Mexican-blend cheese, finely shredded
- 1/2 t. smoked paprika
- 1/2 t. Mexican oregano
- 1/2 t. chipotle powder
- 1/2 t. garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
To serve:
- Vegetables of choice
- Gluten-free crackers
Directions:
- Line a large plate with paper towels and place 4 slices of bacon on top. Cover with additional paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Remove from microwave and discard paper towels. Repeat process with additional paper towels and remaining slices of bacon.
- Place crispy bacon in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped. Transfer bacon crumbs to a large bowl, along with half the jalapeño pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine the remaining jalapeño pepper, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir vigorously to combine.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands and transfer to a serving plate. Place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll in the bacon jalapeño mixture until thoroughly coated. Return to serving dish and serve immediately with sliced vegetables and/or gluten-free crackers. Enjoy!
To Your Health,
Patti
