Navigating the landscape of junk foods and making healthier dietary choices is a pivotal aspect of maintaining overall well-being. While traditional junk foods often tempt us with their convenience and taste, opting for healthier alternatives can significantly impact our health positively.
Consider opting for these healthier alternatives during your grocery shopping to replace your favorite junk foods. These choices can contribute to lower sugar intake, reduced refined carbs, and fewer calories, all while still satisfying your snack cravings.
Reese's Cups
Krutika Nanavati, registered nutritionist and dietitian, reveals that 2 cups of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups has 21g sugar with 13g saturated fat. Instead, she recommends we opt for something such as a dark chocolate with nuts or fruits. 100 grams of dark chocolate is 17g sugar and 5g saturated fat.
She continues that "dark chocolate boasts significantly less sugar than Reese's, curbing sugar spikes and promoting balanced energy levels. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits like improved heart health and cognitive function. Nuts and fruits add fiber and healthy fats, promoting satiety and nutrient absorption."
This TikTok offers a healthier alternative to Reese's, which is Justin's Super Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. It's organic with only 5g of added sugar.
Cocoa Puffs
Nanavati notes that 1 cup of Cocoa Puffs has 22g sugar and 1g fiber. Dr. Bart Kachniarz says to "opt for a whole-grain cereal with less sugar and added fiber. Look for cereals made with brown rice, oats, or quinoa and sweetened naturally with fruit or nuts."
If you or your children can't resist Cocoa Puffs, fortunately, there are healthier alternatives at the store. You can opt for ones with lower added sugar content and higher nutritional value.
TikTok creator Carin Glennon posted this video sharing Seven Sundays Real Cocoa cereal, a "cocoa puffs dupe that is gluten-free" and has only 5g of sugar for a cup!
Cheez-It
Dr. Kachniarz says that when it comes to the beloved Cheez-It, you should "choose whole-wheat crackers with a lower sodium content [instead]. Many brands offer baked options with added seeds or nuts for extra flavor and texture."
A Cheez-It alternative that many people love are Cheddar Cauliflower Crackers by From The Ground Up.
Courtney Swan, who specializes in nutrition and health, says in this TikTok that these "cauliflower crackers may not seem ideal but you actually can't taste them at all." She adds that they contain "clean, whole grain ingredients and taste like Cheez Its." Doesn't get better than that!
Nutter Butter
Nutter Butter cookies, while undeniably delicious, are generally considered unhealthy due to their high sugar and saturated fat content. These peanut-shaped treats are laden with added sugars, which contribute to increased calorie intake and may lead to weight gain if consumed excessively.
TikTok creator @thatcrunchymomkate, who boasts 168.2K followers on the app and often gives her audience healthier alternatives to unhealthy foods, recommends in this video to try Simple Mills Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich Cookies. She says "they have a similar taste without the junk ingredients."
Hershey's
These sweet treats are often loaded with added sugars, contributing to excess calorie consumption and potentially leading to weight-related issues. The saturated fat in Hershey's chocolates can contribute to elevated levels of bad cholesterol, posing concerns for heart health when consumed regularly.
Kate from @thatcrunchymomkate on TikTok says, "If you like something like Hershey's that has PGPR, soy, and and natural flavors, I would swap it out with Hu chocolate. It's very minimal and [has] clean ingredients."
Doritos
Doritos, a popular snack known for their bold flavors and crunchy texture, are generally considered unhealthy due to their high levels of sodium, saturated fats, and artificial additives. These triangular corn chips often contain excessive amounts of salt, contributing to increased sodium intake, which may lead to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular issues if consumed regularly.
TikTok user @fuelwithkay, a holistic health coach, says in this video, "I think it's safe to say that we all know by now that Doritos are absolutely terrible for you." Some harmful ingredients in Doritos include vegetable oils, red 40, yellow 5, and many other things.
"Swap them for good, please, with these Siete Nacho Flavored chips," she says. These chips are non-GMO verified, gluten-free, and made with avocado oil, and dairy-free!
