Let’s accept it, junk food is soul-satiating and comforting for many.
The amount of added sugar and calories present in junk food can bring the feeling of relaxation and pleasure, due to the release of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin in our brains.
Not just that it’s visually appealing as well, which makes us crave more.
Thus, today we have brought you this list of healthy alternatives to all those unhealthy choices like burgers, and pizzas which not only are soul-satisfying but are nutrient-rich as well.
Take a look.
1. Kale chips for Potato chips
If you love munching those crispy Potato Chips, switch to Kale Chips! They are crunchier than the potato ones and have very less fat. To bring more flavour to your mouth, Kale Chips can be mixed with spices or cheese to increase the taste.
2. Baked vegetable fries for French fries
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Baked Vegetable Fries are your best bet when thinking of a healthier alternative to French Fries. Veggies like sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips and even carrots can be used to make fries easily at home while being paired with peanut butter sauce or hung curd dip.
3. Yogurt fruit pops for Ice cream
Substituting regular ice cream for frozen yoghurt and berries is an easy way to get through those nasty cravings while staying healthy. Simply fill a bowl with yoghurt, your favourite berries or other fruits, and freeze. You can even add nuts, dark chocolate or other toppings. Wait a few hours, take it out of the fridge and spoon it away
4. Power balls for Donuts
Satisfy those doughnut cravings with healthy power balls. You don’t even need to bake them! They’re super easy to make and full of nutrients. All you need to do is combine oats, peanut butter, shredded coconut, flax seed, chocolate chips, honey, vanilla extract and chia seeds. Mix together and form into balls, and enjoy!
5. Black bean brownies for Cakes
Love cakes but want to cut down on the calories and sugar count? You can make brownies out of black beans or black Rajma. Just throw in a lot of cocoa powder and you won’t even notice. It’s a very easy way to whip up a filling & healthy substitute. You will be surprised to know that this brownie is dairy-free, flourless, nut-free, and sugar-free.
6. Homemade smoothies for Milkshakes
Use your blender to whip up a healthy homemade smoothie for the usual milkshake. For this, all you need to do is combine the vegan yoghurt with soy milk, nuts and fruits of your choice and favourite toppings. Toss into a blender and run at the highest setting. You’ll have a fruity, sweet, healthy drink that will get you through the hottest summer days. We’re sure you’ll love your smoothies even more than you used to love your milkshakes.
7. Chocolate-dipped nuts for Candies
Are you in the mood for some delicious candies? Well, how about we tell you that we have a simple tip to make those cravings go away? All you need to do is soak your favourite nuts in chocolate and let them solidify in the fridge for a few hours or until the chocolate is hard enough. Once solidified, you can enjoy these homemade bite-sized candy snacks that are a lot better for you than sugar-loaded candies.