We've all had those junk food cravings! You know, those cravings you can't stop thinking about until you've got the actual thing in your hands. Other than occasionally feeling satisfied after we ate what we wanted, we sometimes regret it. Either from the crazy calories or from an upset stomach from all the added sugars and other mysterious processed ingredients. Hop onto the yummy and healthy bandwagon and it'll have you saying goodbye to those old cravings! (Okay, not totally, but you'll definitely form a close bond with these healthier alternatives in no time)!
1. Fresh fruit
You'd be surprised at how tasty a simple and fresh piece of fruit tastes in your mouth. Chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit until it's cold makes it even more fun to eat. A refreshingly juicy orange, sweet and crunchy apple slices, grapes (some people even like to freeze them), pieces of pineapple, a mango, watermelon, mixed berries–the list goes on!2. Fresh fruit with greek yogurt and granola
Instead of a bowl of ice-cream, you can still opt for something else that's similar but more healthy. Plain greek yogurt mixed with some fresh sweet berries or your choice of favorite fruit is the way to go!The plain greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and low sugar content compared to regular yogurt, which is a little thinner and has twice the amount of sugar. Greek yogurt also has probiotics, a helpful bacteria that helps clean your body system and supports healthy digestion, and a creamy and cold temperature imitating ice-cream. Leave it to the fresh fruit and granola for adding some sweetness and texture to the mix! This also makes a great breakfast.
3. Homemade banana ice-cream
Okay, I know what I just mentioned about the sugar content in ice-cream, but this particular one is much better, trust me! All you need for this banana ice-cream is a couple of frozen bananas. Throw them into a blender and you'll get a thick and creamy consistency very similar to ice-cream. This cold and delicious snack (and dessert) has no added dairy (for you lactose individuals out there) and no added sugar. You can do the same process with strawberries as well!4. Roasted nuts
As told by Healthy Eating, all nuts contain a high source of protein and fiber, which helps lowers cholesterol and improves digestion. Recently, my favorites to snack on have been almonds and pistachios. Almonds have a strong crunch to them, resembling a close crunch to bagged chips! As much as possible, the less salt, the healthier it is, but for flavor's sake, it's up to you. As long as your salt intake is taken with moderation, then you'll be fine.
5. Veggies with hummus
Hummus, a thick and creamy spread made of mashed chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt, is protein and fiber-rich from the chickpeas, making it healthy and yummy to eat with crunchy veggies. Some vegetables that go great with it are baby carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, slices of cucumber or bell peppers.Hummus tip: It's even really delicious to add in a sandwich in replacement for mayonnaise or other sauces!
6. Whole grain toast with spread
Stated by A Healthier Michigan, whole-grain toast is healthier because of providing whole-wheat flour and not being processed with enriched flour, which is flour that has been extracted of all the natural vitamins and minerals.To make that bread become alive and flavorful, try adding some soft slices of avocado and tomato on top with a sprinkle of black pepper. You can also add egg on top as well! The toppings are pretty much endless. Add whatever you like!
For a sweet option, a fruit or peanut butter spread do the trick. Sliced bananas on top go great too. You can make your own fresh fruit spread without the processed ingredients and added sugars by getting some berries and blending them until it gets to the consistency you like.
And voilĂ ! The next time you feel like indulging on something while watching a movie, you won't have to worry about feeling guilty about it! The options for healthy snacks bring a wide variety for you to enjoy. Try to create your own snacks and have fun with it!