Weight Loss Guide: 7 Healthy alternatives to junk food without compromising taste

Easy and small healthy swaps can let you have your cake and eat it too. You can enjoy delicious food salted without feeling guilty or taste deprived. Eating more nutrient-dense alternatives satisfies cravings. 

Giving up junk food doesn't mean you have to give up flavor. There are plenty of healthier options that have the same great flavor without all of the calories, processed ingredients, and nutritional downsides. If you want to lose weight and enjoy some of your favorite junk food, these substitutes will get you started.

7 Healthy alternatives to junk food without compromising taste:

1. Substitute Potato Chips for Roasted Chickpeas

Potato chips are full of unhealthy fats and sodium. Roasted chickpeas are an awesome crunchy alternative that’s high in protein and fibers that will keep you fuller, longer!

To make:

Simply toss chickpeas with some olive oil, salt, and some spices and roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 25 minutes, or until crisp!

2. Substitute Sugary Sodas for Infused Water or Sparkling Water.

Sodas are full of sugar and lead to weight gain. Infused water or sparkling water will give you flavor, without all of the added calories.

Flavor Ideas:

To ice-cold plain water, try adding lemon, mint, cucumber, or berries for some refreshing flavor. Try sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus instead of lemon-lime soda!

3. Opt for Dark Chocolate Instead of Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is full of sugar and fat, whereas dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa or higher) has antioxidant properties, and is made with fewer added sugars.

Why It Works:

Dark chocolate satisfies cravings while contributing to heart health and reducing inflammation.

4. Trade French Fries for Baked Sweet Potato Fries

French fries are deep-fried in unhealthful fats, while baked sweet potato fries have the same crunchiness with fiber, vitamins, and will save you calories.

How to Make It:

Slice the sweet potatoes, coat them in olive oil and spices, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, flipping them half way through.

5. Swap Ice Cream for Greek Yogurt & Fruit

Ice cream includes refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, but Greek yogurt can provide protein, probiotics, as well as natural sweetness when paired with fruit.

How To Do It:

Combine Greek yogurt with honey, nuts, and berries for a creamy, rich dessert solution. You can also freeze the blended yogurt and fruit for a healthy frozen replacement.

6. Replace Store-Bought Granola Bars with Homemade Energy Balls

Store-bought granola bars can include too much sugar and preservatives. Energy Balls made at home use natural ingredients packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

How To Do It:

Combine oats, peanut butter, dates, and nuts into a blender then roll the contents into little balls and place them in refrigerator.

7. Switch Buttered Popcorn for Whole Grain Popcorn

Movie theater popcorn contains too much butter with other flavorings sometimes made of artificial compounds. Air-popped or stove-popped popcorn provides a source of high fiber with fewer calories depending on the type of seasoning you may desire.

Healthy Seasoning Ideas:

For added flavor without adding fat, use nutritional yeast, cinnamon, chili powder, or a pinch of light sea salt.