Who doesn’t crave junk food every now and then? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy tasty treats without resorting to junk food, especially with the holidays coming up.
Junk food has become a big part of our culture. Even though we know it’s not good for us, we keep eating it because it tastes so good. The problem is we often think we have to give up flavor for better health. But that’s not always the case! There are ways to break the junk food habit without sacrificing taste.
One way is by preparing healthier snacks and keeping them readily available in your home. Part of the appeal of junk food is that it’s always within reach, so making healthy options just as accessible can make a huge difference.
Another tip is to keep a log of each time you give in to your junk food cravings. Research shows that having a visible reminder of moments you wish to avoid can actually help you resist future temptations.
And most importantly, learn to make delicious yet healthier snacks. You don’t have to eliminate junk food entirely; just replace it with better alternatives. Here are some easy, healthy snack recipes that everyone in your family will love:
First up, a tasty dip that’s perfect with crunchy vegetables like celery. Start by making kefir or using yogurt (though kefir is healthier). After fermenting your kefir, pour it through a cheesecloth over a bowl to drain the liquid whey until the kefir is as thick as you’d like.
Mix ½ cup of peanut butter with 2/3 cup of your homemade kefir and 2 teaspoons of maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon, then whip everything together. Serve this creamy dip with cut veggies and fruit.
Next, for a sweet treat that even veggie-haters might like, try these popsicles. Blend ½ cup of kale, ½ cup of spinach, a peeled and pitted peach, a cup of chopped strawberries, and a cup of orange pieces. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. You can also swap or add other fruits and veggies to suit your taste.
If regular bananas are getting boring, jazz them up by cutting them in half and inserting popsicle sticks. Coat each banana half with yogurt or kefir, or paint them with honey diluted in water for a dairy-free option. Roll the bananas in a mix of rice crispies, mini chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Freeze on a wax paper-lined sheet.
For a quick sweet fix, mix golden raisins and shredded coconut (1 cup of coconut per pound of raisins) in a food processor. To make the mix stickier, add a teaspoon of water or tahini. Roll the mixture into balls, then coat them in dried coconut. Store these in a sealed container in the fridge.
Soda might be popular, but it’s not the healthiest choice. A better alternative is homemade soda using natural flavors. Just juice some of your favorite fruits and mix them with sparkling water that has no added sugars.
Chips are another favorite that’s tough to quit, but you don’t have to! Many veggies, and even starchy fruits like bananas, can be baked into crispy snacks. Take kale, for example. Preheat your oven to 275°F. Coat 4 cups of washed and dried kale leaves with olive oil. Mix salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, then sprinkle it over the kale. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy. Spinach works well too.
There you have it—five easy ways to swap out junk food for healthier options! Give these recipes a try and enjoy a tasty yet nutritious holiday season!