The best healthy food substitutes

You have most likely already been in this scenario: you're looking to lose weight, but the biggest cravings hit and you don't know what to do. You're desperate to have that candy bar, and you know it's in the fridge, begging you to eat it. However, all that extra calories, sugar and empty carbs are kind of off-putting.

I've got your back. I am going to present 10 better-for-you food substitutes, so you can have a treat and not worry about your waistline!

1. Ice cream ➔ Healthy banana ice cream

Leave out that processed ice cream that's full of preservatives and unnecessarily harmful sweeteners and say hello to your new friend, banana ice cream. There are plenty of recipes on the internet for banana ice cream, like the ones from this article (https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/banana-ice-cream-healthy/). For a low-carb version, just mix some nut butter with twice as much Greek yogurt and some sweetener in a bowl and let it freeze for a little.

2. Candy bars ➔ Dried fruit bars

You won't even need dates for these cuties. I am really overwhelmed by recipes using dates on my page, and there's no way in Hell I'm using those, as they're too sweet for my taste. Anyways, back to our dried fruit bars...You can make these by blending 1 cup of dried fruit (raisins, apricots, prunes etc.) and 1 cup of oats. Add some powerful mix-ins so you aren't just getting empty carbs, like nuts, seeds, or protein powder.

3. Potato chips ➔ Kale chips/Roasted chickpeas

I have never tried kale chips, but roasted chickpeas can certainly imitate that salty crunch while also providing several health benefits, such as keeping you full with protein, fiber and fats. Sounds unreal, doesn't it? It is in fact possible with this recipe (https://www.loveandlemons.com/roasted-chickpeas/#wprm-recipe-container-43307)!

4. Cake ➔ Healthy mug cake

There are plenty of healthy mug cake recipes on Pinterest, with an endless variety of flavors. Some of them are chocolate mug cake, banana bread mug cake, or even carrot cake! For way less sugar and saturated (bad) fat, you also get more nutrients. Sounds like a deal made in Heaven. 

5.  Chocolate balls ➔ Dark chocolate-covered nuts/fruit

I have a rum chocolate balls bag in my fridge, so I checked out the nutritional value of those things. I was absolutely flabbergasted when I saw that almost half of their weight comes from sugar! But that doesn't mean I have to completely give up on occasional chocolatey treats. I came up with this idea: dark chocolate-covered nuts or fruit. You must try this. Trust me, it's worth it.

6. Chocolate mousse ➔ Chocolatey Greek yogurt/Avocado mousse

No, I am not talking about those store-bought flavored yogurts, 'cause, for example, strawberry yogurts have anything but strawberries in them (You can also make that at home by mashing strawberries and adding yogurt!). I am talking about the way-better-for-you sweet treat you can make by simply mixing plain Greek yogurt with cocoa powder and sweetener. I know it sounds odd to you, but the tanginess of the yogurt blends so nicely with the sweetness from the cocoa. Or you can make an avocado chocolate mousse, so you get some healthy fats as a bonus.  

7. Cookies ➔ Healthy homemade cookies

You know that tempting bag of chocolate cookies, almost begging you to eat them? Don't fall into their trap! Instead, make your own at home. Everyone on the internet started going crazy lately about banana oat cookies, that are filled with dark chocolate chips and any add-ins your heart desires, such as raisins or chopped nuts and seeds. Hello, my little new friends!

8. Sugary drinks ➔ Smoothies 

By "sugary drinks", I mean everything that can be labeled as such, like sport energy drinks and even fruit juices (it is best to avoid homemade juices too, as they are basically just sugar because the pulp is left out). Instead, whip up a smoothie that's full of fiber-rich whole fruit, protein-packed nuts or Greek yogurt (or any protein source you have on hand, check this article for inspiration https://letzgetcooking-com.cms.webnode.ro/l/how-to-add-protein-to-smoothies-without-powders/ ), and leafy greens if you'd like. This way, you get the yummy drink you wanted, but with a nutrition boost!

9. Deep fried foods ➔ Grilled/oven-baked foods

I think the reasoning behind this swap is pretty obvious. Why order a McUnhealthy portion of chicken wings that were fried in a galloon of damaged fats (basically negating the health benefits of the meat), when you can make yourself the same finger-licking delicious dish, but with way less saturated fats and calories? All you have to do is put the grill and the oven to work and you're good to go!

10. Pizza ➔ Homemade pizza

Yep, that's right. Pizza can be made healthy. You just need a few changes from the regular one. For example, choose a better-for-you crust - a whole wheat or oat flour crust will work -, don't exaggerate with the sauce and cheese, and complete with a protein source, such as canned tuna or chicken.