Alternatives to the Junk Food you Love!
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So, you're trying to eat healthier but also like junk food…what to do? No worries, I've got some tasty alternatives for you!
Great News! There are plenty of options out there that let you indulge without all the guilt.
RULE OF THUMB
When you're changing your diet, aim to cut back on processed, packaged foods and load up on fruits and veggies. There's no getting around that. Smoothies are a delicious way to sneak those in. But hey, we're here to talk about junk food swaps, right?
LET'S GET TO IT!
Here are some fun ways to swap out your favorite junk foods for options that taste just as good but come with better ingredients. While these aren't exactly "health food" and may contain sugar, they're definitely a step up! Check the labels and you'll see the difference. (Heads up: Some studies suggest that not all organic brands are as pure as they claim, but these still beat the usual suspects.)
If you're a fan Chips Ahoy, Oreos, Cheez-Its, Graham Crackers, Goldfish, Triscuits, Ritz, Mac N Cheese, chips, cereals (yes, cereals are considered junk food), or any other snacky favorites, check out these brands I love. You can usually find them in the natural section of your grocery store:
Simple Mills- this is a great gluten free option! Cookies, crackers, bars, waffle/pancake mix, cake mix, frosting; non-GMO
Back To Nature- cookies, crackers, granola, cereal, trail mix; most non-GMO
Annie's- cereal, soup, snacks, mac n cheese, frozen food, dressings, baking, condiments; non-GMO, gluten-free options
Kashi- cereal, bars, cookies, crackers, entrees, waffles; non-GMO
Cascadian Farms- cereal, bars, frozen fruit, oatmeal, potatoes, jelly, juice; non-GMO
Love Grown- cereal, kids’ cereal, hot cereal, and granola; non-GMO, gluten-free
Boulder Canyon- Potato chips, snacks, and riced vegetables; non-GMO, gluten-free
Kettle- Potato chips; non-GMO, gluten-free
Note: Back To Nature has alternatives for Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Thin Mints, and a lot more. Cascadian Farms and Love Grown offer plain "Cheerios" without sweeteners—great for little ones or as an on-the-go snack. Add honey or berries for sweetness!
LET'S TALK BRIEFLY ABOUT SODA...
It's loaded with sugar and other not-so-great stuff. Try these instead: Virgil's, Blue Sky, Izze, Hansen's—all free from artificial sweeteners. Or go for sparkling water or a soda maker! It's a fun way to save money and enjoy healthier fizz. Add fresh fruit or natural syrups for flavor.
AND CANDY...
Most candies have corn syrup (or a combination of “syrups”), preservatives, dyes, artificial flavors, and many other questionable ingredients. Here are a few of my favorites: Justin’s, OCHO, Chocolove, Theo, Smart Sweets, Yum Earth. They offer everything from chocolate bars to gummy bears. Trader Joe’s also has great alternatives!
WHAT ABOUT FAST FOOD?
We all have times when we’re busy and want a quick meal. If you can, prepare meals at home to allow you to control ingredients and save money. But it's not always feasible. When you need to grab something fast, there are a few fast food places that offer cleaner ingredient options. To help you, I've put together a list of fast food restaurants that prioritize healthier ingredients:
Chipotle - uses meat without hormones and antibiotics, as well as a local produce. They serve burritos, salads, and bowls.
CAVA - Mediterranean menu, offering bowls and pitas filled with grilled meats, falafels, eggplants, and hummus.
BurgerFi - uses meat without hormones and antibiotics.
In-N-Out: uses high-quality ingredients and avoids frozen, pre-packaged, or microwaved products.
Panera Bread: offers salads, sandwiches, and soups made with antibiotic-free chicken, turkey, and pork. They have a "100% Clean" food promise and focus on quality ingredients.
Sweetgreen: uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and customizable salads.
Noodles & Company: uses noodles with lower carbs and higher protein, as well as zucchini noodles. They also use cage-free eggs and antibiotic-free bacon.
Local Grocery Store - many stores have decent pre-made food that makes a better alternative to a drive through.
I'm always on the lookout for more health-conscious fast food options. If you know of any other restaurants or chains that prioritize clean ingredients and healthier menu items, please share them with me. I'd love to add to this list and provide more options!
A few more tips - if you do eat out, enjoy it! Your mindset makes a difference in how your body processes the food you eat. You can also get a quality enzyme or charcoal to take with you when you’re eating out to aid in digestion and avoid/lessen bloating.
HERE'S THE CATCH
These better-for-you options might cost a bit more—around $1-3 extra for store bought and more when eating out—but since you shouldn't be indulging too often anyway, it's worth it!
Give these swaps a try and let me know how you like them!
If you have questions, I'd love to chat! Book a call with me.
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