22 Nov Junk Food Switch-ups That Are Easy And Effective

Many Americans don’t realize how easy it is to swap a few select junk food items for much healthier alternatives that don’t sacrifice on taste.These alternative items are often in the same location in the grocery store and simply remain unseen by the masses.  

With that being said, here are 6 easy swaps that can gradually produce lasting change for your diet or those around you: 

1. Dark chocolate instead of Milk Chocolate: This is one that most people know about but it is worth mentioning none the less. Milk chocolate is filled with large amounts of sugar that can spike your blood sugar levels. Dark chocolate is categorized by the percentage of cocoa in it so you can ease yourself into this food swap. 
2. Air-fried Zucchini instead of French Fries: With the popularity of air fryers on the rise, this is one that applies to more and more people. Air frying vegetables such as zucchini can mimic the taste and crunch of french fries to a surprising degree while cutting out the oils and other additives that make french fries a “junk” item. 
3. Protein shake instead of milkshake or sugary beverage: With the option to make your own or buy great prepackaged options, protein shakes are a versatile tool in the arsenal. Many protein powders come in flavors that can help replicate that flavor you crave from a milkshake that is most often loaded with sugar. 
4. Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon: Turkey bacon is a healthy alternative to regular bacon due to its large reduction in its saturated fat content. The change in flavor can often be completely sidestepped by using an air fryer and spice mix to get that same crispy, delicious experience that regular bacon provides. 
5. Air-popped popcorn instead of potato chips: There are a multitude of popcorn options out there that keep it to the basics. This switch-up cuts out the enormous amount of sodium and calories that your garden-variety potato chips contain and still provide that crunch and easy-access at the same time. 
6. Cauliflower crust pizza instead of traditional pizza: There are numerous pizza alternatives that don’t sacrifice on taste and texture. Cauliflower crust pizza is one that increases the amount of veggies while striving to mimic the experience that traditional frozen pizza provides. It also doesn’t contain the traditionally large amount of calories that typically come along with your average frozen pizzas in the grocery store. 

Small changes in your diet over a large amount of time can produce results that will shock and amaze. Taking these small steps is as simple as swapping one traditional item for another that is just slightly different in taste but highly different in quality. 

Source: https://www.askmen.com/top_10/fitness/top-10-junk-food-substitutes.html