There are certain foods that may bring you comfort during stressful times (and boy are we stressed right now) , but are bad for your health. Some of these foods can do real damage, even in small quantities. While it's true that everything is okay in moderation, you'll be doing your body a good service by keeping the worst foods to a minimum.
Chances are there are healthy food alternatives that you can introduce into your meal plan that you'll actually enjoy. While you may still miss some of the offending foods, you can save them for your treat days and, instead, indulge in some new healthier foods.
Here are a few of the top offenders:
French Fries: French fries are everywhere. While some fast food places are currently offering alternatives to French fries, for the most part they're still served as a standard. Potatoes can be healthy when cooked in certain ways, but you should avoid deep-fried potatoes, which are found in most restaurants. If you enjoy potatoes, consider eating a baked potato or opt to enjoy mashed potatoes. Also, try to have more sweet potatoes as they're packed with even better vitamins and fiber.
Donuts: Donuts can be delicious treats, but the calories and fat content add up quickly. While it's okay to have a little treat, most people end up eating more than they should. If you're looking for a good alternative to this popular morning treat, consider a plain whole grain bagel and some fresh fruit. You can also try homemade banana, pumpkin, or zucchini bread.
Ice Cream: Ice cream can be a popular way to end an evening, but definitely save this treat for special occasions only. The fat content is high and bedtime is the worst time of day to eat high calorie foods. The good news is that there are some healthy treats similar to ice cream that you can enjoy instead. Try low fat alternatives like sorbet, tofutti, or homemade frozen yogurt.
Fruit Smoothies: Store bought fruit smoothies make the worst offender list because they're a health food in disguise. Sure they are made of fresh fruit, but there is often added sugar and/or cream. They're also often served in large portions. One smoothie may eat up all of your calories for the day. You can combat this problem by making your own out of lower calorie fruits, or you can opt for smaller portions.
Pie: Pies are another dessert item that's best left for a special occasion. They're packed with extra sugar and, often, large amounts of trans fat. One slice of pecan pie can actually top the 500 calorie mark. You can attempt lower calorie pies by using more fruit and less sugar, cream and nut additives.
Chocolate: Chocolate is certainly a tough one to give up! It tastes so good and can even make you feel better. However, it's high in calories and fat and, therefore, should be limited. If you must have chocolate opt for dark chocolate in small quantities because it actually has the health benefit of antioxidants.
Margarine: While margarine was once advertised as a healthy alternative to butter, it's actually not. It doesn't contain cholesterol, but many cheaper varieties contain trans-fatty acids. Data is coming back about the health risks of consuming trans-fats, so they're best avoided all together. Your best bet is to use smaller quantities of real butter when necessary.
Low Fat Alternatives
Most of the offenders have lower fat alternatives. While they may not taste as good to you at first, it's best for you and your health in the long run. Keep in mind that you can indulge yourself every once in awhile, but control is key.
For more healthy food choices follow: Candice Camille