Everyone has … By John Miller. Let's get you eating in your Sweet Spot: Heart-healthy, delicious, and right for you. Thyme and rosemary can go into the cavity, if you like. Chili is a very healthy meal!". Hi, I'm Cheryl! Like Fischer, she relies on canned and frozen foods, as well as quick-cook grains, when pressed for time. Do conflicting nutrition recommendations annoy you? Wherever you are in town, you can almost guarantee the nearest drive thru is right around the corner for dinner, saving you time from having to cook at home. 5 great alternatives to typical fast food, Sunday night dinner by 12yo. Registered Dietitian, cardiac specialist, cookbook author, food lover. French fries (packaged or from the fast-food joint) vs Baked potato wedges The next time you visit a fast-food joint, think twice. Ever find yourself craving a junk food snack, but know you shouldn’t indulge due to the fact that it’s not really healthy? Heat black beans and corn (frozen or canned) in the microwave. 15 Healthy Alternatives to Junk Food. Photos: Make this, don't eat that. At home, you can assemble a healthy meal in about the time it takes you to scoot through the drive-through. It keeps us from eating mall food or hitting the drive-through for french fries.". Avocado is a healthy food option, which can be taken with almost any food. 1. Easy Black Bean Soup: Soup is a great filler-upper and can be a very healthy meal. Earlier than you head down or plan on eating McDonald's, be certain to've browsed over their website first or analysis about the dietary info of their food. View Gallery 20 Photos StockFood Getty Images. Try making these healthy versions of your fave fast-food dishes at home. "Some vegetarian burgers are very good," Fischer says. High in cholesterol levels, junk food also causes heart diseases. In the rest of this article, we will share those healthy foods you can eat when you’re in a hurry. "That means a main dish with lots of side dishes, like a nice salad plus four or five vegetables. Quick Chicken Dinner: Chicken is a yummy beginning to a nice, lean meal, Fisher says. quicklist: 3 category: Healthy Fast Food Alternatives title: Pack a meal url: text: If you tend to be stuck with lesser-of-various-evil options, invest in … Here’s a list of our favorite healthy alternatives to our favorite junk foods. "It's quick, and you don't have to spend much," she tells WebMD. "Especially if you eat a hot entrée at lunch in your office cafeteria, cereal is a great alternative. Lynn Fischer, author, Lowfat Cooking for Dummies and Finish baking in oven for 10 to 15 minutes. If you’d like to make sure to receive all of my blog posts, sign up below. "They don't give you a lot of meat, which is good." Pasta Pronto: Put any of these over pasta (either regular or whole-wheat, or a mix of both), Moore suggests: Super Salads: Salads can be a healthy meal in themselves. "I arrange the chicken on a platter of lettuce, surrounded by fresh asparagus or green beans or both, lots of grapes, orange slices," Fischer tells WebMD. Chick Pea Pasta © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Instead of preparing a sandwich with unhealthy calories, you can try avocado with whole wheat toast, to satisfy your cravings for a bread-rich-meal. "In South America, you might have a fresh whole tomato or fresh avocado at the bottom of your soup," she adds. Mix tomato-based pasta sauce (any brand you like) with frozen or canned shrimp, clams, or oysters. Before you duck into the drive-through, try their lightning-fast tricks for healthy meals. Replace them with healthier dried fruits like mango, apple or cherry. "But I don't go for turkey burgers. Mix frozen broccoli and corn, chop up red bell pepper, mix with Italian salad dressing, and you've got an easy salad, says Moore. (Note: I’ve linked to the locations page for each, so you can quickly find one near you.). KFC fast food is high in fat but also contains lots of preservatives. October 30, 2020. It is high time we choose health over convenience, learn to curb cravings and stay away from guilty pleasures. If you find yourself craving these … The good news is that our options for eating on the go have improved dramatically. By Alia Hoyt, upwave.com. Post Views: 279. Meal planning yesterday and tryi, I tried making farro for breakfast! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sign up to receive my weekly(ish) posts in your inbox. When your body becomes dependent on components like fat and sugar, changing your habits can be hard to achieve, but not impossible. In the real world though, sometimes fast food on the go feels like your only option. Top with any of these: chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, black olives, shredded reduced-fat cheese, "plus a few lime slices, to make it look really pretty," says Fischer. Association. Contact me. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up snacking, it just means reaching for healthier alternatives. "Try any new product that comes out. Craving junk food? A cheeseburger and fries would be the easy fix. Cindy Moore, MS, RD, director Making small changes to your diet is the healthiest and most achievable way to lose weight. As you can see, if you need to eat on the run, you don’t have to settle for burgers and fries! "We pack food for every member of the family -- bottled water, 16 oz bottles of chocolate milk, juices, nuts, seeds, pretzels, yogurt, fruit, cereal, health bars. "People can pick and choose whatever they want. Dried fruits like apples, cherries, mangoes, and berries will provide plenty of those. Try a Mini Fillet Burger for a healthy fast food option that hits the spot but won’t do as much damage to your weight loss diet. Rinse it again so it's wet. "It saves time, money, and it saves fat and calories. "As you eat the soup, you scoop bits of tomato or avocado with it. Vegetable fries have the same crispy goodness as fast food fries, but with way more nutrients. However, chips and fries are very high in fat and starchy carbs, two things that need to be kept in check for a healthy diet. 223 0. Compared to most healthy versions of fast food, however, burgers can be easily modified while keeping flavor and familiarity intact. Alternatives such as lettuce wraps, tofu scrambles, egg and toast and oatmeal pancakes are healthier choices to give your body energy and nutrition. Healthy Meals on Wheels. "Some huge chicken breasts are enough for two servings. Ice cream lovers can try making ‘nice cream' at home. We’re not kidding, Macro Snacks are the real deal! Therefore, we offer you a cheaper and healthier alternative. If you’re anything like us, then you will probably shudder at the thought of life without chips. Source: sumptuousliving.net 9. Swap 80/20 beef for the extra lean variety, cut back on the amount of cheese you use, and instead rely … Instead of once again ordering delivery of a hamburger, pizza or french fries to the office, teach yourself to dine on healthy foods. Share this post and let us know by tagging @pulpandpress on Facebook or Twitter . But let's face it: a Happy Meal is not necessarily a healthy meal. The kids are starving. You're starving. Mac and cheese is an easy and delicious food that can be eaten at almost any time of the day. When I thaw the chili, I just add a can of beans. 1. In the ideal world, your freezer is packed with homemade meals and your fridge brimming with healthy grab-and-go snacks. These days, almost every fast-food restaurant offers healthy options. Plus, In My Kitchen - what we're cooking and loving this week. It makes a marvelous steamed chicken.". If you’re otherwise going to hit a drive-through on the way to a show or the mall, this is for you. And in many cases, rightly so (heart attack on a plate, anyone?But as recently as this week, certain quick-service spots have tried to shed their fried-food personas and offer alternatives for us health-minded folks. Add nuts, dried cherries or cranberries, and skim milk, and you've got a well-balanced meal. Sign up for my free video series, How to Eat Well for Life After a Heart Event. Feb 21, 2011 James Baigrie. ", Speedy Side Dishes: Keep frozen, canned, or fresh veggies on hand to round out a healthy meal. Mix frozen spinach soufflé and Lean Cuisine Fettuccine Alfredo. "It's like having a mini-kitchen in your car," says Zanecosky, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Dried goji berries, in particular, are filled with nutrients. When you want an alternative to the fast-food joints calling your name, think cool: an insulated cooler, that is. Healthy Snack Alternative: Macro Snacks. Healthy alternatives to fast food are more than boring. More ideas: Cereal: With skim milk and fruit, it's a great quickie supper, Zanecosky says. Giving up fast food seems intimidating, as you can sacrifice both convenience and indulgence; however, eating healthful alternatives will improve your health, and eventually, your cravings for fast food will diminish. We are here to help you adopt healthy eating habits. Healthy Fast Food: For the Road. 7 Healthy Alternatives to Popular Fast Food Recipes. Fast food restaurants get a bad rap. Actually I’m su, 43% of Calgarians eat fast food at least once a week, comprehensive guide to ordering at Freshii, 20 Locally-sourced gifts for the heart-healthy kitchen, How three Calgary nurses are navigating COVID-19, 10 low-sugar beverages that aren’t (plain old) water, Choosing yogurt with heart health in mind, 7 easy sandwich alternatives to processed meat, Review: PC Express (formerly Click & Collect), The lowdown on peanut butter for heart health, Five Costco foods that aren’t as healthy as they look, Goldenberries are super, but please don’t call them a superfood. 6 Healthy Alternatives to Fast Food Favorites. And you’re not alone: 43% of Calgarians eat fast food at least once a week (probably more during the busy holidays). "You're starting with a canned soup that already has some element of flavor," Moore tells WebMD. ", Omelets: This tried-and-true favorite happens fast -- especially when a few fixings are always on hand. If you can't nip that junk food addiction, no worries. Potato chips and french fries are classic go-to junk foods that are quick and easy to grab. Place chicken in an oven-cooking bag. However, there are also healthy alternatives that you can make yourself with little effort. Compare the … There are plenty of healthy junk food options and recipes that make for tasty snacks. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. Heat frozen spinach soufflé or creamed spinach, and top with Parmesan cheese. It should come as a relief then when we tell you that we created a deliciously crunchy and healthy alternative to this popular junk food. 1 of 20. And it’s not surprising that junk food, in the long run, harms our health. Infused Water Instead of Soda It's a really neat, healthy meal!". Here nutritionists and other health experts share their favorite swaps. INSCMagazine: Get Social! Have you had a heart attack, stent, or bypass? ... Junk-food fakes: Healthy alternatives to fast food. To avoid fast-food temptations, Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD, keeps an 8x12-inch insulated cooler tucked in her car's back seat. Analysis about dietary facts - Most of the leading fast food eating places has dietary information of their website. Healthy Fast-Food Alternatives. ", The French concept of accoutrement -- accessorizing -- is key for healthy meals, Fischer tells WebMD. Use everything to your advantage. Let’s face it. We have seven healthy alternatives for your favorite junk foods like pizza, potato chips, and more. 9 Healthy Alternatives to Junk Food. (Trust us you will not regret it). With a bit of crusty bread and a little protein like fish, seafood, beans, or lean meat, you've got dinner in a bowl. They get weird, cardboardy, when you freeze them. You need nutritious food you can grab fast, whether you're on the road or have just walked into the house. It's not an impossible dream -- at least, not with a little planning and a few essential items in your fridge or pantry, say experts who spoke with WebMD. And you need some fresh vegetables, like celery, carrots, and tomatoes and fresh fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, and grapes.". SOURCES: Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD, spokeswoman, American Dietetic And access to exclusive, free subscriber content and tools: How to Eat Well For Life After a Heart Event video seriesGuide to Eating Well After a Cardiac Event ebookBlood Pressure Friendly Snack GuideMy Go-To Meal and Snack ListBreakfast For The Rushed Cheat Sheet...and more. These five chains offer delicious, heart-healthy, nutrient-dense food that can be just about impossible to find in typical fast-food eateries: beans, nuts, fish, whole grains and a selection of fruits and veggies more interesting than plain old lettuce and tomato. "Canned vegetables are also good. The good news is that our options for eating on the go have improved dramatically. 10. We bring you some easy-to-try healthy alternatives to junk food: 1. Freeze it in small containers for handy use later. That’s the crunchy, New on the blog, link in profile: 20 food/kitchen, What are your favourite kitchen tools and/or food, New recipe alert. "I buy green, red, yellow peppers, sauté them with lots of onions, olive oil. Potato Chips Luckily, we’ve come up with 15 healthy junk food alternatives that will hit the spot and keep you eating healthy and feeling good! Hope you enjoy some of these alternatives to typical fast food offerings. However, an unhealthy office lunch is a direct path to long-term health problems. At the salad bar, buy all the other stuff. Sometimes healthy foods taste like leaves and dirt, especially when compared to junk food. These five chains offer delicious, heart-healthy, nutrient-dense food that can be just about impossible to find in typical fast-food eateries: beans, nuts, fish, whole grains and a selection of fruits and veggies more interesting than plain old lettuce and tomato. Leading a healthy lifestyle can be really tough, especially if you’re used to junk food, which is proven to be addictive. Quick Baked Potato: It's a perfect addition to a healthy meal, and you can get oven-baked taste in less time than you think. "It's nice and crispy outside, with the texture of an oven-baked potato inside," Fischer says. Association. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? Quick & Healthy Cooking for Dummies. Then microwave on high for 10 minutes. But eating healthy has tons of benefits. From swapping your candy for Kind bars to healthier french fries, feel free to indulge on these better-for-you versions of your favorite unhealthy foods, guilt-free. By Meghan Ahearn. If you know of any more I should include, let me know and I’ll check them out. A healthier alternative would be to choose lean protein as your burger meat, such as chicken, fish, or mince meat with lower fat content (which will often contain fewer calories and less saturated fat), she suggested. These lunches are great options for those days when you just can't get around to packing your own — because it definitely happens. Mix it up with interesting, lower-fat dips -- even melted chocolate and strawberries once in a while for dessert. If not, the meals can sometimes be modified to suit your dietary preferences. Do you struggle to follow through on your best intentions? Pingback: #2- Sensory Evaluation | halfullbowl. And we should avoid them. From salty chips to sugary ice cream cones, the taste of junk food can be oh-so-tempting. Privacy policy. Veggie Soup: A quick vegetable soup also works well, says Cindy Moore, MS, RD, director of nutrition therapy at The Cleveland Clinic and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. As tempting and delicious as takeaways can be, frequently ordering from our favourite fast food restaurants can take a toll on the waistline just as much as the wallet. Healthy alternatives to junk food can be hard to find. For further healthy living advice and weight loss tips, don’t forget to stay up to date with our blog. To avoid fast-food temptations, Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD, keeps an 8x12-inch insulated cooler tucked in her car's back seat. The kid who doesn't like the corn can eat something else.". Healthy Alternatives to Fast Food. All rights reserved. Skin a whole chicken. Updated 11:23 AM ET, Tue March 18, 2014 . "We might add ham, chicken, or cheese, and the peppers.". The most correct alternative is a vegetable salad with fish. Watch my free video series: How to Eat Well for Life After a Heart Event. If you know you’ll eat fast food at an airport sometime in the next month, this is for you. Harvard School of Public Health states that consuming fast food increases your risk of obesity-related conditions. Ladle into bowls. Little Dippers: Set out a "party tray" of vegetables and fruits for your family, Fischer suggests. What are your go-to junk food alternatives? Some of my favourites are Our Daily Brett on 14th Street SW and dirtbelly in the Core, Market Mall, and Brookfield Place. Spoon University has an alternative: give into your cravings, but swap it, don’t stop it. This is one of my favorite healthy alternatives to junk food. Unless you have a butcher grind the meat especially for you, ground turkey often contains a lot of fat. And while just about all restaurant food piles on the sodium, these five have some moderate (but not low) sodium options, if you watch what you order, and they all provide nutrition information online. Convenience foods -- anything frozen, canned, pre-cut, pre-washed, and pre-bagged -- is fair game for healthy meals, says Lynn Fischer, author of Lowfat Cooking for Dummies and Quick & Healthy Cooking for Dummies. You're also adding fiber and protein.". "I always have chili in the freezer," adds Zanecosky. Blended frozen bananas is similar to ice cream. 5 mins. Happy Holidays! If you use a frozen-in-the-bag vegetable dinner, don't add much meat; keep it the size of your palm, she adds. Had been think, I could hold them off no longer. We’ve found ten healthy alternatives to popular junk food snacks that will leave you feeling great after snacking instead of wanting to lay down for a nap. Cake / Banana Bread. 6. "I make big batches, loaded with sautéed peppers and onions, tomatoes -- but without the beans. They're always sitting in the fridge," Zanecosky tells WebMD. Freezer-to-Table Main Dish: "For a dinner that's ready in seven or eight minutes, start with a frozen healthy meal like Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine," Fischer says. For a super-healthy alternative, try dried goji berries, which are full of nutrients. Rather than making mac and cheese from a box, though, try making it fresh with butternut squash as an alternative to the highly saturated cheese and salt that comes with most mac and cheese. Read on to find out how! of nutrition therapy, The Cleveland Clinic; spokeswoman, the American Dietetic Cook Big, Freeze Small: Once in a while, cook up some large-volume food -- a big batch of soup, a hefty pan of lasagna, lots of whole-wheat pasta, or rice, Moore suggests. The problem: Fast food is often a product that is considered unhealthy and is therefore more likely to be eaten with a guilty conscience. Wash the potato, then microwave on high for about 4 minutes. … WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 13 quick-fix ideas to help you drive past the drive-through. Your family can get full, they're eating a lot of vegetables, and there are plenty of choices. You can use whichever vegetables you prefer, but sweet potatoes and parsnips usually work best. Plus, they […] "A lot of frozen vegetables are frozen fresh, right on the spot, so they still have all the nutrients," Fischer says. Then shake on the spices -- lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or paprika. However, independent quick-service restaurants offering veggie-rich like-homemade foods are also awesome. And they are delicious – there’s no getting around that fact. Most cakes aren’t particular healthy, but if you want an option that has some benefits try a … Remember, small changes can add up to make a big overall difference to your diet. "But when you add more vegetables, some grains like barley or quick-cook rice, plus beans or fish, you're diluting the sodium and calories. I focused on chains here because most people can easily find one. Buy lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes in the grocery's produce section. 30 Oct 2020. Also, adding some rice makes a thicker soup. 26 Fast-Food Lunches That Are Actually Healthy Yes, it's true! We all know fast food isn't the best option for a meal but we go because it’s convenient, cheap, and delicious. Instead, listen to your body and reach for a treat. You can unsubscribe anytime. It is packed with a rich content of healthy fats and other health benefits. Your first step is to eat fewer foods high in calories, fat, salt and sugars and swap them for something healthier, including more fruit and vegetables. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. Here comes the good news: There are healthy snacks alternatives to junk food.