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Enjoy “junk foods” without the guilt. Try these better-for-you versions of some of your favorite treats.
Double Churned Ice Cream
Double churned ice cream contains more air, but is still just as creamy as traditional ice cream. Also, because double-churned ice cream is made with real cream, it’s less likely to include artificial sweeteners. Half a cup of double churned ice cream can be about 100 calories, which is less than many brands of frozen yogurt. Look for “slow churned” or “slow cold.”
Sweet Potato Fries
Baking sweet potato fries coated in olive oil can be a great way to turn a traditional junk food into a healthy side dish. Sweet potatoes contain high levels of fiber and vitamin A, which is an important nutrient for many parts of the body, including the heart. Additionally, studies show that the nutrients and antioxidants in sweet potatoes can actually help reduce the risk of cancer.
Dark Chocolate
Instead of milk chocolate, try dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, an important antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure; be sure to look for a cocoa content above seventy percent. Dark chocolate with almonds can be an even healthier alternative, as almonds provide healthy fats. However, because nuts are high in calories, portion control is key.
Air-popped Potato Chips
Many brands of air-popped potato chips are made without artificial preservatives or corn oil. Because they are bulkier, they take up more room in the bag. This means there are fewer to eat, adding fewer calories to your day.
More smart snack choices:
Double Churned Ice Cream
Double churned ice cream contains more air, but is still just as creamy as traditional ice cream. Also, because double-churned ice cream is made with real cream, it’s less likely to include artificial sweeteners. Half a cup of double churned ice cream can be about 100 calories, which is less than many brands of frozen yogurt. Look for “slow churned” or “slow cold.”
Sweet Potato Fries
Baking sweet potato fries coated in olive oil can be a great way to turn a traditional junk food into a healthy side dish. Sweet potatoes contain high levels of fiber and vitamin A, which is an important nutrient for many parts of the body, including the heart. Additionally, studies show that the nutrients and antioxidants in sweet potatoes can actually help reduce the risk of cancer.
Dark Chocolate
Instead of milk chocolate, try dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, an important antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure; be sure to look for a cocoa content above seventy percent. Dark chocolate with almonds can be an even healthier alternative, as almonds provide healthy fats. However, because nuts are high in calories, portion control is key.
Air-popped Potato Chips
Many brands of air-popped potato chips are made without artificial preservatives or corn oil. Because they are bulkier, they take up more room in the bag. This means there are fewer to eat, adding fewer calories to your day.
More smart snack choices:
Published 12/14/2011
