15 Healthy Alternatives Of Junk Foods

If you believe that healthy foods are always tasteless and boring then this blog will be an eye-opener for you. There are many healthy foods that you can consume as snacks as the alternatives of junk foods. And their advantage is that they are both delicious and nutritious.

Here’re 15 healthy alternatives of junk foods you can consume as snacks

Strawberries

Juicy strawberries are sweet bombs filled with vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. And they are good for the heart; can help in sugar control, and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Strawberries can be eaten plain but you can try them with melted dark chocolate. Just dip the tip of a strawberry in chocolate to enhance its flavor.

Blueberries

Blueberries are colorful sweet fruits that you can enjoy fresh or frozen. But they are more delicious when eaten with yogurt or full-fat cream. They are nutrient-rich – manganese and vitamin C and K. They are good for everyone especially for older people as blueberries give protection from oxidative damage and chronic diseases. They are antioxidant superfoods.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has many health benefits like it improves brain function, heart health, and reduces the harmful effects of UV rays. It is loaded with fiber and antioxidants and rich in minerals including iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Also, it is high in taste. You can have a piece of dark chocolate anytime or with a cup of coffee.

Almonds

Crunchy almonds require no preparation for consumption but people prefer eating them with dates. Fill dates with almonds to make a tasty treat. They will pamper your taste buds and satisfy hunger pangs. Since they are rich in healthy-heart fats, fiber, protein, and minerals, they can protect your heart from chronic diseases and aid in your weight loss program.

Pistachios

Pistachios are crunchy, salty nuts and they are mouthwatering. Since they contain heart-healthy fats, high-quality protein, and fiber, they are very filling. Also, they provide B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Their powerful antioxidants can improve blood fats, reduce bad cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. But they shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities as they are very high in calories.

Cherries

Cherries make a delicious and healthy snack. This low-calorie fruit has a high nutrition count including fiber and vitamin C. Also, they have antioxidants and plant compounds. And these deep red beautiful berries can prevent you from type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart ailments, and cancer. Cherries are sweet and they are largely consumed fresh.

Mangoes

Mangoes can satisfy your sweet tooth. It is a nutrient-dense tropical fruit that gives soluble fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin A and C. Also, they contain plant compounds and antioxidants. Mangoes are sweet but they are low in calories and their glycemic index (GI) values range from low to medium. You can eat them plain or add them to smoothies, or yogurt.

Cheese A Healthy Alternatives Of Junk Foods

Cheese is delicious food that can be consumed plain, made salty, fried, or add to vegetables. It is highly nutritious as it packs vitamins and minerals including calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc. But its biggest advantage is improved bone health that prevents the development of osteoporosis. Also, cheese can increase the absorption of minerals by the body.

Avocados

Avocados are a great source of B vitamins and vitamins C, E, and K. Also, they contain healthy monosaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. And these fatty fruits are very filling which makes them a weight-loss-friendly diet. They have a smooth creamy texture that you can enjoy plain or add some salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Popcorn Is Healthy Alternatives Of Junk Foods

Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in calories and high in fiber. It is the healthiest food when prepared in a pan or air-popped. For enhanced flavor, you can add some salt and butter to them. Since they are low in calories, they can aid in your weight loss program. Also, being a whole grain, popcorn improves digestion. It also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are quite beneficial for your health. Their high fiber content and richness of vitamin A and C and minerals have many health benefits. Also, they contain antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage and the risk of developing cancer. They are sweet but taste better when consumed with sour cream or salted butter.

Hummus

Hummus is a healthy dip made of mashed chickpeas that contain protein and fiber in rich amounts. Also, they have vitamins and minerals including folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, and copper. The prime health benefit of hummus is improvement in blood sugar levels. Also, it can reduce bad cholesterol and improve digestive health.

Healthy Alternatives Of Junk Foods-Yogurt

Yogurt is a nutrient-dense food as it contains high-quality proteins, fats, calcium, and several vitamins. But the biggest advantage of yogurt is its probiotic bacteria that improve cholesterol, digestion, and absorption of various B and K vitamins in the digestive tract. Also, it can improve bone health. Yogurt can be consumed plain or with fruits and sugar, but you should avoid taking it with regular sugar.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can be added to anything from bread to fruits like apple slices and bananas. Since it is very filling, it provides a sense of satiety and suppresses hunger pangs. It has antioxidants in high numbers. Also, it has minerals and vitamins including B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. Choose the variety of peanut butter that has no added sugar or oil.

Watermelon Is Healthy Alternatives Of Junk Foods

Watermelon is 100% juice of nutrients. It has powerful plant compounds and vitamins, but it is low in calories. And their high fiber and water content don’t shoot up blood sugar levels. It is a highly refreshing fruit especially after exercising as it reduces muscle soreness after exercises. Also, it lowers blood pressure and increases insulin sensitivity.

The good thing about these fruits is that they are easily available in the market. But some of them are seasonal fruits. Next time you have food cravings, you can consume healthy fruits.

Disclaimer: The nutritional value and health benefits of healthy fruits are provided for educational purpose only. Users should choose food according to their taste and health condition.