We all have those moments when we crave junk food. It could be after a long day at work, a stressful day at school, or simply because we want something tasty and satisfying.
While indulging in junk food occasionally is okay, it can become a problem if it becomes a habit.
The good news is that you don’t have to give up tasty and satisfying food altogether. There are plenty of healthy alternatives that can satisfy your cravings without compromising your health.
Here are 30 foods you can eat when you’re craving junk food.
1. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to French fries. They are high in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, and can be baked, boiled, or roasted with a little bit of olive oil and seasoning for a delicious and healthy snack.
2. Kale chips
Kale chips are crunchy and delicious, and they’re a great alternative to potato chips. They are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
You can make your own kale chips by baking kale leaves with a little bit of salt and olive oil.
3. Greek yogurt with fruit
Instead of ice cream or frozen yogurt, try Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a little bit of honey. Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, and can be a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still eating healthy.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn is a low-calorie snack that can be a great alternative to chips. Make sure you choose air-popped popcorn instead of versions that are high in fat and salt.
You can also add a little bit of seasoning like nutritional yeast or cumin to give it extra flavor.
5. Frozen fruit smoothies
If you’re craving a milkshake or a frozen drink, try making a smoothie with frozen fruit and almond milk. You can also add a little bit of honey for sweetness, and some protein powder for extra nutrition.
6. Hummus and vegetables
Hummus is a great alternative to creamy dips, and can be a delicious snack when paired with vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber. It’s high in protein and fiber, and can keep you full for longer.
7. Fruit salad
If you’re craving something sweet, try having a fruit salad. You can mix together different types of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, and mango for a tasty and healthy snack.
8. Homemade granola bars
Granola bars can be a healthy snack when made at home. You can use rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to make your own granola bars that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Avoid store-bought versions that are usually high in sugar and preservatives.
9. Baked apple chips
Baked apple chips are a great alternative to candy. You can slice apples thinly and bake them in the oven until they’re crispy. You can also add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
10. Peanut butter and banana sandwich
A peanut butter and banana sandwich can be a delicious and satisfying snack that’s high in protein and potassium. You can use whole-grain bread for extra fiber, and add a little bit of honey for sweetness.
11. Edamame
Edamame is a great snack that’s high in protein and fiber. You can boil the pods in salted water for a few minutes, and serve them with a little bit of soy sauce. They’re also a great addition to salads and stir-fries.
12. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and can be a great snack when paired with fruits like pineapple and peaches. You can also add a little bit of honey or cinnamon for sweetness and flavor.
13. Frozen yogurt bites
You can make your own frozen yogurt bites by mixing together Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh fruit. Then, freeze the mixture in bite-sized pieces for a tasty and healthy snack that’s low in calories and high in protein.
14. Roasted chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a great alternative to chips and can be a tasty and healthy snack when seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. They’re also high in protein and fiber.
15. Trail mix
Trail mix can be a healthy snack when made at home with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You can also add a little bit of dark chocolate for sweetness. Avoid store-bought versions that are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
16. Rice cakes with almond butter and banana
Rice cakes can be a low-calorie alternative to bread, and can be topped with almond butter and banana slices for a tasty and healthy snack that’s high in protein and fiber.
17. Sliced avocado on whole-grain toast
Sliced avocado on whole-grain toast can be a delicious and healthy snack that’s high in healthy fats and fiber. You can also add a little bit of salt and pepper for flavor.
18. Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs can be a great snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats. You can also add a little bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
19. Homemade fruit popsicles
You can make your own fruit popsicles by blending together fresh fruit and yogurt, and freezing the mixture in molds. They can be a tasty and healthy dessert that’s low in calories and high in nutrition.
20. Seaweed snacks
Seaweed snacks are a great alternative to chips and can be a delicious and healthy snack that’s high in iodine, calcium, and iron.
21. Grilled fruit
You can grill different types of fruit like peaches, pineapple, and watermelon for a delicious and healthy dessert. You can also add a little bit of honey or cinnamon for extra flavor.
22. Homemade guacamole with veggies
Instead of salsa, try making your own guacamole with fresh avocado, tomatoes, onion, and lime juice. You can serve it with vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, and carrots for a delicious and healthy snack.
23. Fruit and nut butter dip
You can make your own fruit and nut butter dip by mixing together nut butter, honey, and cinnamon. You can then serve it with different types of fresh fruit for a tasty and healthy snack.
24. Quinoa salad
Quinoa salad can be a delicious and healthy snack that’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You can mix together quinoa, vegetables, and herbs, and dress it with olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty and nutritious snack.
25. Vegetable chips
Vegetable chips can be a healthier alternative to potato chips when made at home. You can slice different types of vegetables like kale, sweet potatoes, and beets, and bake them in the oven until they’re crispy.
26. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate can be a healthy snack when consumed in moderation. It’s high in antioxidants and can help improve cardiovascular health. Choose chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa, and avoid versions that are high in sugar.
27. Smoothie bowls
Smoothie bowls can be a healthy and delicious snack that’s high in nutrition. You can blend together frozen fruits, yogurt, and almond milk, and serve it in a bowl topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds.
28. Rice pudding
Rice pudding can be a tasty and healthy dessert when made at home with whole-grain rice, almond milk, and honey. You can also add fruits like mango and strawberry for extra flavor and nutrition.
29. Fruit and cheese
Fruit and cheese can be a delicious and healthy snack that’s high in protein and calcium. You can pair different types of fruits with different types of cheese for a tasty and nutritious snack.
30. Smoothie popsicles
You can make your own smoothie popsicles by blending together fresh fruit, yogurt, and almond milk, and freezing the mixture in popsicle molds. They can be a tasty and healthy treat that’s perfect for hot days.
Conclusion
Cravings for junk food can be difficult to resist, but there are plenty of healthy alternatives that can be just as satisfying.
By choosing whole foods that are high in nutrition and low in calories, you can satisfy your cravings while still taking care of your body. Try incorporating some of these healthy snacks into your diet the next time you’re craving something tasty and see how you feel.