Strategies for Cutting Out Junk Food from Your Diet

We all get those cravings for junk food every now and then, but don’t worry, there are tasty alternatives to help you get through the holiday season without giving in to unhealthy snacks. While junk food is a huge part of our culture, we’re aware it’s not great for our health. It’s all about finding a balance between taste and nutrition.

You don’t always have to trade health for flavor. There are ways to kick the junk food habit. By preparing healthy snacks and making them easy to grab, you can reduce the pull of junk food, which is so appealing mainly because it’s convenient and everywhere. Another helpful trick is to keep a record each time you give into cravings; studies suggest that being reminded of past indulgences can discourage you from repeating them.

Most importantly, learn to make delicious yet healthy snacks. Replacing junk food with healthy options is vital to avoid slipping back into old habits. Not sure where to start? Here are some tasty snack ideas that everyone at home will love:

Try making this scrumptious dip, perfect with crunchy vegetables like celery. First, make kefir instead of yogurt since it has more nutrients and probiotics. If you’re new to fermenting kefir, simply add kefir grains to regular milk and let it sit for a day. Then, strain it through cheesecloth until it reaches the desired consistency. Mix ½ cup of peanut butter, ⅔ cup of the strained kefir, and 2 teaspoons of maple syrup together with a bit of salt and cinnamon to create a creamy dip.

Even those who usually dislike vegetables might think twice about refusing these popsicle treats. Blend ½ cup of kale, ½ cup of spinach, a peach, a cup of strawberries, and a cup of oranges in a food processor. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or stick to just fruits for picky eaters.

If bananas are getting a bit boring, try giving them a new twist. Cut bananas in half, insert popsicle sticks, and roll them in yogurt or kefir. For a non-dairy option, brush them with diluted honey. Coat them with a mix of rice crispies, mini chocolate chips, and shredded coconut, then freeze them on wax paper.

For a quick sweet snack, blend golden raisins and shredded coconut. Add a teaspoon of water or tahini to make the mixture sticky, then roll it into balls and coat them in dried coconut. Store them in the fridge for a lasting treat.

Soda might be tasty, but it’s not the healthiest choice. You can make your own refreshing drink with fresh juice and sparkling water. Just make sure the sparkling water is unsweetened to keep it healthy.

While many of us love chips, with a little creativity, you can make healthier versions at home. Kale crisps up nicely in the oven. Use 4 cups of chopped, dried kale leaves, spray them evenly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bake at 275°F for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. Spinach can be prepared the same way.

There you go—five ways to ditch the junk food and enjoy healthier eating! Give these ideas a shot!