SAY NO TO JUNK FOOD

Fast food is cheap, convenient, filling, and it definitly tastes good. Unfortunately, eating just one fast food meal can pack enough calories, sodium, and fat for an entire day or more. Eating fast food on a regular basis can lead to a host of different health problems. However junkfoods are hard to resist. But we can easily substitute them with  healthier options without having to compromise much on taste.

Many of us here just cannot say no to chocolate.  However chocolates can be detrimental to a healthy diet or weight loss goal. Instead of going for a milk chocolate try a small bar of dark chocolate.Dark chocolate, in moderation, is actually good for you. It is full of antioxidants, which help protect the body from aging, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. However, try to avoid dark chocolate that contains nuts, caramel, or other fillings.

Sitting in front of the television with a huge bag of potato chips is a habit that can lead to a steady rise of weight. If you wish to lead a healthy diet say a big NO to chips. Instead have popcorn.  A cup of air-popped popcorn contains only 31 calories; 55 calories if popped with oil. Popcorn is still a low-calorie choice when lightly buttered, at 133 calories per one-cup serving.

Sticking to the beverage side of things, let’s talk smoothies. They can be great junk substitutes , instead of milk shakes or dessert. On some occasions, they can even be meal substitutes. All you need to do is toss in a cup of  low fatyoghurt, a banana and berries of your choice into a blender and you have a healthy and delicious drink.

If you really must have pizza, how about at least getting one with a whole grain crust? Some pizzerias will make one for you, or you can buy one from your health food market. Another option is whole wheat pita bread. Simply cover a pita with prepared tomato sauce and fresh veggies; sprinkle on some vegan Parmesan if you want that flavor. Bake until everything is nicely cooked. Homemade pizza is certainly the best and most delicious choice.

There’s a reason you always see celebs or in-shape people working their jaws. Gum doesn’t provide you with many nutrients but what it does do is kill the urge for munching on some junk. Obviously, go for the sugar free gum and pick a flavor (despite it being artificial) that you can tolerate. Toss in a couple sticks of gum and chew away. Your craving for munchies will disappear and your waistline will remain svelte. Or at least the size it is now.

Ice cream is not only a comfort food that many use to soothe emotions, it is also high in fat and sugar. It can be easily substituted with one mystery ingredient-the banana. Yes, you read it right.If you freeze a banana until solid, then whiz it up in a blender or food processor, it gets creamy and a little gooey, just like good custard ice cream. I had assumed that a blended banana would be flaky or icy. But no — it makes creamy, rich ice cream.

If you are addicted to fastfood the chances are that you need a glass of soda to go with it. Soda nothing but sugar water. It's devoid of any nutritional value. It leads to obesity and diabetes. Reseach has shown that carbonated drinks have other health risks as well. Instead have water. Add a few drops of lemon for flavour.

Some of you people out there cannot help indulging your sweet tooth with a candy. But candy is just too much sugar. It is empty calories with no nutritional value. Instead go for some dry fruit. It is very sweet yet healthy and can curb your cravings.

How can I wind up without adressing the king of junkies-the burger and chips. A large tray of burger and chips has massive amount of calories which may even exceed a person's daily dietary requirements. Instead substitute it with a whole wheat bread sandwich with a healthier filling like smoked salmon or grilled fish,some low fat cheese, a slice of tomato and some lettuce.