Crave
Lynn Bizri

Healthy Alternatives To Your Favorite Snacks

Make these substitutions for a healthier snack option!


Instead of: Potato Chips



High in fat, calories, and sodium, chips can raise the risk of weight gain and obesity, and cause an increase in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Try:



– Multi-grain pita chips or pretzels

– Air-popped popcorn

– Baked vegetable chips (such as beet, carrot, and zucchini chips)

All will give you that satisfying crunch that you’re craving.



Instead of: French Fries



Fries are one of the unhealthiest foods consumed in this day and age. High in bad fats, carbohydrates, calories, and salt, French fries are practically devoid of any nutrients and contain high levels of acrylamide, a substance which has been linked to cancer.

Try:



– Baked sweet potato (or yam) fries

– Edamame

- Baked potato with cheese/yummy fillings

All of which are surely healthier, pack more fiber, and tons more nutrients than oily fries.



Instead of: Candy



While the occasional bag of candy can be part of an otherwise healthy diet, eating candy regularly can negatively affect your health. When consumed in excess, candy can lead to dental cavities, weight gain, and overall poor nutrition. All the added sugars also contains a large amount of calories and zero essential nutrients.

Try:



-Trail mix (consisting of raw nuts, dark chocolate chips, granola, etc.)
-Dried or fresh fruit

Nature’s candy! Dried fruits will give you chewiness and sweetness without a ton of processed sugar and crap.


Instead of: Chocolate Bars



While chocolate is usually publicized as having super healthy benefits, commercial chocolate bars are usually loaded with an excessive amount of calories, sugar, and fats. Many chocolate bars contain palm, and hydrogenated (or partially hydrogenated) oils which are some of the worst oils for your health as well as high fructose corn syrup, artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives.

Try:



– 60% or 70% cacao dark chocolate that you can get creative with: put some in a bowl with some nuts and peanut-butter for a fulfilling snack.

– Energy bars (e.g. locally produced Taqabars)

– Loaded with anti-oxidants, a few squares of good chocolate or a nut and chocolate bar are miles better than the average processed candy bar.


Instead of: Ice-cream



Ice-cream can raise your risk of high cholesterol and sugar-related problems when consumed excessively. Most commercially produced ice cream also contain chemicals, synthetic ingredients, colorants, and hydrogenated fats which are linked to diabetes, neurobehavioral disorders, and cancer.

Try:



– Sorbet or frozen yoghurt (which can be sugary, but nowhere near an ice-cream)

– Banana soft serve
– Fresh fruit smoothie

All these will satisfy your cold sweet craving except with a fourth of the calories and many more vitamins!


Instead of: Soda



Soda is probably the worst snack on this list, and for good reason. Both regular soda and diet soda have been linked to obesity, kidney damage, poor dental health, diabetes and certain cancers. While diet sodas may have fewer calories, they are full of artificial sweeteners which affect the kidneys and have been linked to a host of other illnesses and diseases that include cancer and premature death.

Try:



– Sparkling water with fresh fruit

It’ll quench your thirst, has anti-oxidants, is hydrating, and will help you kick the pesky soda habit!