15 healthy alternatives to junk food | CookSmarts (2023)

If you want to eat salty

Chips and fries are classic junk foods that are quick and easy to eat. And they're delicious, there's no getting around that. However, potato chips and fries are high in fat and starchy carbohydrates, two things that need to be monitored for a healthy diet. In addition, they are often fried.

Try roasting low-carb vegetables. If you choose to cook in the oven, it's easy to control the amount of oil and salt you use to keep your veggies healthier.

1. Kale chips instead of french fries

Replace fries withKohl Chips.Using veggies will make your fries significantly lower in fat and more nutritious, but still give you that satisfying crunch. You can even bake your fries in all your favorite flavors like Classic (oil, salt, and pepper), Sea Salt and Vinegar (self-explanatory!), Cheesy (vegan cashew cheese drizzle or nutritional yeast chips), or Barbecue. (Capsicum, chilli powder, garlic powder, brown sugar and dry mustard).

To emulate the convenience of individual bags, break up your healthy potato chips into small bags for a crunchy, salty treat on the go.

2. Baked veggie fries instead of french fries

Forget fries and opt for grilled veggie fries instead.Vegetarian fries may have the same crispy, fluffy texture as regular fries, but they're a lot healthier! Cooking vegetables in the oven is easy, and this way you can get a variety of nutrients from roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.

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if you have a sweet tooth

You can get candy anywhere, making it all the harder to resist. The bad news is that the sugar, fat, and carb content in candy is no joke and is definitely no friend to anyone trying to lose weight or eat healthily. An easy way to enjoy sweets without compromising your health is to use natural sugars (fruits, honey, maple syrup) and find wheat-free options.

3. Yoghurt and fruit bars instead of ice cream

Skip the ice cream and opt for fruity frozen yogurt or dark chocolate banana popsicles instead.Ice cream isn't the only way to fix your sundae. If you're in a creamy mood,Mix chopped fruit into your favorite yogurtand place in the freezer for a few hours. If you need a little chocolate in your life, dip bananas in melted 80% dark chocolate (ormake your own chocolate!) and put in the freezer.

The great thing about making your own frozen desserts is that you can control the sweetness and make large batches that will last in the freezer for months.

4. Power Balls > Donuts

Skip the donut shops in favor of quick, no-bake bites. power ballsThey are super easy to prepare in the kitchen. They're packed with protein and their soft texture can make you feel the same as eating donuts.

5. Black bean brownies instead of cake

Forget cakes and cupcakes and enjoy without flourBlack bean brownieinstead of.This might sound a bit strange, but we challenge you to do something this weekend! See, the main thing in brownies is chocolate, and if you use the right amount of cocoa powder, you won't even notice the beans.

6. Homemade smoothies instead of milkshakes

Skip the smoothies and indulge in homemade smoothies. When it's hot outside and you're in the mood for a thick, cold dessert, go for the healthy sweet fruit option. But if you want a healthy smoothie that tastes more like a traditional smoothie, ours isOatmeal and Peanut Butter SmoothieIt's packed with protein and nutrients while retaining a rich, creamy sweetness. Learn how to make your best smoothies with our free recipe book here:

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Inspiration for your best smoothie

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7. Chocolate dipped nuts instead of candy

Instead of eating sweets, eat nuts or fruits covered in chocolate.The main attraction of candy is the texture and combination of flavors. Dip in nuts or fruithomemade chocolate(or melted dark chocolate if you're short on time!), you can get the flavors and textures you really like by removing all the unnatural ingredients found in all commercial candies.

If you want something crunchy, dip in your favorite nuts (you can always cut them in half to save on calories!) and let them harden in the freezer. If you like chewy candy, use raisins or other dried fruit. When you can't wait for the freezer to work its magic, simply dip some fresh fruit in your hot chocolate and call it a day.

8. Fruity sparkling water instead of soda

Say goodbye to soft drinks and hello to fruit fizzy water.Whether you drink regular or diet soda, both contain chemicals and coloring that are not good for your body. For the refreshing satisfaction of a fizzy drink, lightly puree and puree fresh fruit in sparkling water, or squeeze fruit juice for a naturally sweet drink.

If you fancy fast food

Fast food is often the first thing that comes to mind when you're stressed and want a quick, tasty meal. Unfortunately, choosing fried or high-carb foods is never healthy and will not help you lose weight. When making homemade versions, you can skip the fryer and use a lot less oil, sodium, and sugar. The good news is that there are plenty of quick recipes that will get healthy food on the table in no time.

9. Homemade "fake out" instead of Chinese takeout

Instead of eating Chinese food, prepare your own Chinese food in the kitchen.We have several quick Chinese-inspired dinner recipes like ours,Von General TsoÖ. All of these recipes have gluten-free, vegetarian, and paleo options, and are ready in under 40 minutes (that's how long it takes to get to and from your favorite restaurant). If you want some fried rice with your meal, just usecauliflower riceinstead of!

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10. Pizza without dough instead of pizza delivery service

Make pizza without dough.You can still enjoy all of the spicy, cheesy goodness of pizza without the carbs. Ourstuffed zucchini pizzajPizza PortobelloThey're delicious low-carb options that pack a lot more nutrients than regular pizzas. If you really miss the crust, try oursFlatbread with radish, arugula and goat cheese. It's packed with veggies and has about 400 calories per serving.

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11. Bunless burgers instead of traditional burgers

Choose to make your burgers thinner and greener.For a heart-healthy burger, you can easily use a lean meat (turkey, chicken, salmon) or veggie burger and omit the cheese. To cut carbs, swap out the buns for lettuce, portobello, or round yams.

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12. Baked chicken wings instead of fried chicken wings

Get your fried chicken with healthy tenders or falafel.our ovenPanko crusted chicken stripsThey're quick, tasty, and still allow you to enjoy crunchy treats without the high fat content of fried foods.Bake falafelIt's also a great option when you're in the mood for a delicious fried meal.

Also, chicken wings are a staple for lounging and watching a game, but they really aren't hip-friendly. Try ourFried chicken wingsRecipe for a healthier way to enjoy the flavors you know and love.

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13. Burrito Bowls statt Burritos

Enjoy the burritos without the tortilla.with ourChicken Burrito Bowl, you can go flourless and slightly adjust the amount of cheese and sour cream you use. Ourpaleolithic versionit's about 200 fewer calories because dairy and corn are left out. Ourvegetarian variantAlso cut calories by swapping out meat for healthy beans.

If you fancy something creamy

Sometimes you just want creamy, flavorful junk food, and it's hard to find good low-fat ones. Luckily, there are ways to indulge yourself a little without ruining your diet.

14. Low-calorie macaroni and cheese instead of traditional macaroni and cheese

Reduce the amount of cheese in your macaroni and cheese.Gone are the days of powdered cheese and fattening sauces! Replacing some of the cheese sauce with pumpkin puree or sweet potato soup will significantly reduce the fat content of your meal and add vitamins to your dinner. Try ourBaked Macaroni and Cheese recipe, which swaps half the cheese sauce for a hearty mashed pumpkin soup.

15. Healthy sauces instead of full-fat sauces

Swap fattening sauces for healthy sauces.It's common for sauces to go with fries, crackers, and veggies, and we'll admit it's a great idea. But instead of having sour cream or cheese-based sauces on the table, opt for themTzatzikior even a new oneMango-Sauce.

Now that you have a list of healthy junk food alternatives, you can move on to a fit summer without missing out on the fun.

Do you have a favorite low carb snack or favorite junk food substitute that isn't on our list? Add the comments below!

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