Technology and advancement have made our lives so fast-paced these days that we seldom have time to think too much about what we should or shouldn’t eat. Easily available fast food which is high in fats, sodium, calories and other kinds of harmful components has become popular. This rising trend has led to numerous health problems among its consumers- obesity, depression, blood pressure, diabetes, nutrient deficiencies etc. Sadly, junk food has become the new comfort food.

Think about it this way, even if you are busy you should still give yourself the time to eat nutritious healthy foods. We all have those junk food cravings, but we can manage those in a healthier manner, without harming our bodies. Certain fast foods can be substituted for the following:

French Fires – Baked Sweet Potato

Deep fried potato adds to the fat content and sodium levels of the body. They are not nutritious in any manner. Try replacing them with healthy sweet potato baked fries. Sprinkle a little bit of salt and squeeze a little lemon on top and you are good to go. Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A.

Candies – Dried fruits

Candies provide you with empty calories. No protein, no vitamin, no fiber. They are concentrated with unhealthy refined sugar linked with obesity and diabetes. Why not try dried fruits like dried kiwi, dates, figs etc. instead of candy? They are too on the sweeter side but not as harmful as these candies. Moreover, they provide you with nutrients like iron, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Pizza – Homemade healthy Pizza

Pizzas available at the food stores are made with refined flour dough which does no good to your body. High-fat content cheese, low-quality vegetables are a cherry on the top of its harmfulness. Try the homemade pizza. Make a pizza base out of wheat flour dough. Use healthy vegetables or add chicken strips to increase nutritional content. Use a low fat cheese in moderation. I am sure you will love it 😉

Potato chips and dip – Pita chips with hummus

Again the deep fried version of French fries. Is there a need to tell you about the damage this causes? Ever heard of the concept of mutual supplementation? NO? Okay, so it goes like cereals/ grains lack an amino acid which is found in pulses/legumes and vice versa for pulses/legumes. Thus, when a cereal-pulse combination is consumed together it acts as a complete protein. Hummus which is made from chickpeas and pita from a grain source are the perfect match and thus, healthier.

Apple Pie- Baked Apples

Apple pie is such an addiction. Ever thought of the amount of butter that goes into the dough to make that super- soft- melt- in -mouth crust? Don’t make me mention it. Try baked apples. Bake a small apple in the oven. Top it with some low fat yogurt and sprinkle cinnamon on it. You will get a similar taste, minus the buttery fat.

Cheesecake – Greek Yogurt

Cheesecake – delicious yet full of calories. Top some Greek yogurt with oranges, cherries, strawberry and throw in some graham crackers. It will instantly become a source of good protein, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.

See, it is so simple to convert your daily unhealthy eating habits to some healthy delicious snacks. All you need is some innovation and awareness.

Eat healthily, Stay healthy!