Fight Food Cravings with These Healthy Snack Substitutions

Eating healthy is so easy! Well, it is in theory. In practice, it's very difficult. Sure, when we aren't hungry and are just sitting around, coming up with a healthy diet plan isn't too hard. We've all been there: we just finish eating, start feeling a bit self conscious and think to ourselves "I could eat healthier. Snacks aren't that important." Later, however, when we find ourselves in situations that awaken those evil cravings, we're singing another tune! Well, fight those nasty cravings with these satisfying healthy snack substitutions.

Situation #1: You're at a diner or restaurant. Dinner is over, and your friends are all ordering milkshakes as dessert. Your mouth waters as you consider the flavors: strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, maybe even some new flavor mix you've never tried before but sounds so delicious. Oh, the temptation! You pick up the menu...

STOP! Before you go for that 400-something calorie milkshake consider a healthier option. Most restaurants that are known for their shakes also offer fruit smoothies. Smoothies are generally around 200 calories less than milkshakes and offer your body real nutrients from the fruit. Granted, the taste isn't exactly the same, but many actually prefer the more organic sweetness of a real fruit smoothie to that of a milkshake made of flavored ice cream. Plus, you won't leave feeling guilty.

Situation #2: You're at home watching movies. You're a little hungry, but it's not quite supper time. You need something to take the edge off. A salty, crunchy, bite-sized snack is in order. The first thing that comes to mind is the bag of potato chips in the kitchen...

NO! Instead of greasy, fattening potato chips, you should have gotten some popcorn! Air-popped (not microwave) popcorn is a whole grain, so there is your fiber. Also, if you don't add butter, it's fat free. But no one wants to eat popcorn without salt and butter! Use a butter alternative or experiment with topping your popcorn with black pepper, paprika or another spice instead of salt. This will make for a healthy bite-sized snack with a satisfying crunch that will get you by until dinner.

Situation #3: Your child hears the ice cream truck and calls it to your attention. You, feeling a bit nostalgic, begin to crave an ice cream bar like you used to enjoy as a child. You flag down the truck, dig out your change, order your child's cone and go to buy yourself a delicious...

Edy's fruit bar! Yes, this tasty little 80 calorie frozen treat is a yummy way to keep cool this summer without ruining your bikini body. They come in many tasty flavors such as orange cream, tangerine, lemonade, strawberry or creamy coconut. Keep in mind that the cream flavored options are 120 calories while the fruit alone bars are 80. Still, when compared to Good Humor's 390-calorie Giant King Cone, 120 calories doesn't seem too bad, so you can go ahead and enjoy those on occasion.

Situation #4: It's barbecue season and you're having a small hamburger and hot dog cook out. Since you're watching your figure, you compare to see which option, hot dog or hamburger, offers the least calories. You decide that the hot dog has slightly less, so you guess it would be the lesser of the two evils...

And you'd be wrong! Yes, the calorie count is usually slightly less in hot dogs than in hamburgers, but hotdogs are filled with unhealthy fats and sodium. Hamburgers, on the other hand, offer protein that will keep you fuller longer and do more for your body than the hot dogs ever could. Plus, you can dress your burger with healthy tomatoes and lettuce to make the meal an even more beneficial one. The number of calories alone isn't the only thing to consider when trying to eat healthier!

Situation #5- You have to eat at McDonald's. There is no other choice. Either the time doesn't allow for another option, your friends are all going or for some other reason it just can't be avoided. You know they offer salads, but those usually have browning lettuce, and you really don't want to look like the obvious dieter in your group. You've heard chicken is healthier, so you consider the 5 piece Chicken Selects meal...

WAIT! There is an even better chicken option on that menu. The Chicken Selects with their breaded and fried empty calories amounting to about 660 total is a disaster meal for the healthy eater. The Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich, on the other hand, is 420 calories and has 75% less fat. If you absolutely have to do Mc Donald's, this is the way to do it.

Staying away from temptation isn't easy. These scrumptious substitutes will help ward off the desire for less healthy snacks. By making these healthy choices, your body will look and feel better, and that will add a boost of confidence that will leave you feeling great!

Sources:

Good Housekeeping's Healthy Alternatives

Diet Blog: Snack on Popcorn Rather Than Chips

Self Magazine June 2009