Junk food has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. No matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to completely cut off junk food. Well, there is no denying that our lifestyle has become a little too inclusive of junk food. And sometimes there is no escape – probably when you go out and socialise, travel or when you have no time to cook. Even those FEW instances count when you’re genuinely craving some junk food but don’t want to spoil your diet or workout.
So, what to do in these instances? Stay hungry? No.
What you can do is opt for relatively healthy food items if you’re left without options. You can have them and still not sink in guilt. But remember, these food items should be the last resort, not a frequent or everyday meal.
Can’t seem to boycott junk food? You can replace the worst with the better
Dark chocolate
Craving some chocolates? Sure you can have them. But not milk chocolate, dark chocolate. Yes, dark chocolate may be bitter but it is good for health. The reason is, that it’s less in sugar and low in calories. In addition, dark chocolate comes with the goodness of antioxidants. It also has iron, fibre and magnesium. It may not be the healthiest, but HEALTHIER than white chocolate.
Popcorn
Craving chips? Have popcorn instead. Popcorns are popped, not fried. So, first things first, you cut down on oil. Secondly, popcorn is rich in fibre, antioxidants and several other ingredients. However, you still have to consider the quantity you are eating and where you are eating it from. If you are habitual of buying a bucket full of popcorn at the movies, you must know that they are highly flavoured, making them unhealthy and no good.
Air-fried cutlets
Craving some pakoras but you’re afraid that they’ll be extremely unhealthy and full of oil? No worries, you can have air-fried pakoras instead. Even though air-fryers use some oil, it is very little. So, you cut down significantly on oil and additional calories while soothing your taste buds. Consider investing in an air-fryer if you don’t have it. Food items prepared in it are a healthy replacement for those cooked with cups of oil.
Flavoured yogurt
Craving some ice cream? You can go for flavoured yogurt instead. Yes, flavoured yogurt does have additional sugar, but it is lesser as compared to ice creams. You can enjoy mango or strawberry-flavoured yogurts as you enjoy flavoured ice creams. They taste similar and are healthier.
Dosa Sambhar/ Idli Sambhar
Eating out with friends or family? Well, if you must order something, you can choose dosa sambhar or idli sambhar instead. They’re healthier than maida roti/ naan, burgers and fries. Look for South Indian food options on the menu or go to a South Indian restaurant if there’s a choice.
Red sauce pasta
Choosing between white sauce pasta and red sauce pasta? Your taste buds might go for the former, but hey what if we told you red sauce pasta is healthier? There are no additional calories of fat or cream like there is in white sauce pasta. If there’s an option for wheat pasta, even better.
Baked potato
Potatoes are the king of foods. No one has ever hated potatoes, and no one ever will. So, how about enjoying the goodness of potatoes in a healthy way? We are talking about baked potatoes. They’re baked, not fried in oil. Hence, you cut down on extra oil and calories.
Corn chaat
Picture this, you have burger and pizza joints in front of you but in between there’s a sweet corn stall. Which would you choose? If you want to go for unhealthy food items, you’ll go for burgers and pizzas. But if you want to eat healthy and cut down on calories, you’ll pick the sweet corn stall instead. Corn chaat stall is way healthier than any of the outlets you’ll see at the mall.
Beer
Out drinking with your colleagues? You don’t have to become anti-social to follow a healthy lifestyle. You can instead follow portion control. Instead of having 5 cans of beer, have just one and you’ll be fine and not exceed your calorie limit. However, watch out for additional snacks you have with drinks as they’re calorie-dense.
Sweet Potato Fries
We get it, you love french fries. You’re craving for some but you know it in your bones that they are unhealthy. Yes, plain potato fries made at restaurants are prepared with utensils full of reused oil. A big NO for heart health and your weight loss plan. Instead, you can go for sweet potato fries or chaat you can prepare at home. If you know a sweet potato stall near you, it’s a good option too.
Closing thoughts
As we said, you don’t have to shut yourself indoors if you are planning to avoid junk food. If not that, and you’re just badly craving junk food or having a bad mood, you can opt for the listed junk food items which are healthier and not the worst. So, go ahead, and enjoy these food items but try to not binge-eat. Portion control is the way to go.
