10 Unhealthy Cravings Americans Have The Most & 10 Healthier Substitutes To Love Instead
10 Unhealthy Cravings Americans Have The Most & 10 Healthier Substitutes To Love Instead
How to Stop Your Cravings In Their Tracks
It's impossible to stop all of your cravings, which is why, instead of going cold turkey (which usually leads to worse snacking habits), you just need alternative snacks that satisfy those desires. Many of the foods Americans crave most are salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy, or comforting, so you just need healthier versions that recreate those sensations. Here are 10 unhealthy foods Americans always have cravings for, and 10 healthier swaps.
1. Potato Chips
With dozens of different varieties put on display at the grocery store offering unique flavors and textures, it's hard not to be enticed by a huge bag of potato chips. They're salty, crunchy, and convenient, but worst of all, they're easy to eat by the handful. With their high amounts of sodium and processed fats, you'll want to stop though.
2. Baked Veggie Chips
Still giving you that crisp, snackable sensation, baked veggie chips are a healthier alternative that don't rely as heavily on grease or salt. You can make them from your favorite veggies, whether it's sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, or kale, and seasoning them with garlic powder, paprika, or pepper keeps them enjoyable.
3. Soda
It's hard not to crave soda when nothing else delivers that fizzy sensation that can feel so addictive. But the main problem is, soda contains insane amounts of sugar that might give you a quick burst of energy, but will make you crash soon after and feel bad for your body.
4. Sparkling Water With Fruit
If you want the fizz but without all the added sugar, sparkling water with some fruit is a refreshing substitute that feels bright and clean. Lemon, lime, berries, orange slices, or even cucumbers all work wonderfully, and while it might not satisfy the sweet cravings, you will get that same bubbly sensation.
5. Candy Bars
We all crave chocolate at some point throughout the year, and candy bars are an unhealthy, cheap, sweet, and convenient way to satisfy those cravings. They combine sugar, chocolate, and sometimes caramel, nougat, or peanuts in way that tastes delicious, but they're also calorie-dense, high in sugar, and low in overall nutrients.
6. Dark Chocolate With Nuts
If you really can't go without candy bars, dark chocolate is your best solution. Picking varieties with nuts gives you that mild sweetness, cocoa richness, and crunchy texture in a balanced, healthier way. Just a small square can satisfy that chocolate craving, but without the same sugar load as most candy bars.
7. Fast-Food Burgers
Americans love burgers and convenience, but when you combine the two, you're left with unhealthy fast-food varieties that come with large portions, refined buns, heavy sauces, and way too much sodium. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying one occasionally, but frequent stops can make it hard on your health.
8. Lean Turkey Or Veggie Burgers
Making your own food is always healthier and that goes for burgers too. You might not be able to eat them as quickly as a stop at a drive-thru, but when preparing a lean turkey or veggie burger can satisfy the same cravings while giving you more control over the ingredients. It’s still a burger, just with a smarter setup.
9. Ice Cream
Ice cream is a classic comfort craving because it’s cold, creamy, and sweet. It’s often tied to relaxing at night, celebrating something, or a tasty summer treat, which is why so many struggle to turn away from it. Sadly, it doesn't hide the issue that many varieties are high in added sugar and saturated fat, especially when portions get large.
10. Greek Yogurt With Berries
It might not have the same sweetness, but Greek yogurt with berries is still a delightfully creamy treat that can be as satisfying and lighter than ice cream. The yogurt gives you good protein, while the berries add natural sweetness, color, and freshness. Chill it well, and it becomes a simple treat you’ll actually look forward to.
11. French Fries
French fries have a strong hold on Americans because they’re salty, crispy, and come with the most delicious dipping sauces. But because traditional fries are usually deep-fried, it can make them high in fat and calories. They’re also one of those foods that you keep eating more than you said you would.
12. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
It's amazing that sweet potatoes taste as good as they are yet are still so healthy. The perfect substitute for fries, if you're watching your health, are roasted sweet potato wedges that are flavorful, filling, and naturally a little sweet. They crisp up so nicely in the oven with a small amount of olive oil and your favorite seasonings!
13. Sugary Breakfast Pastries
Doughnuts, toaster pastries, and sweet rolls are especially tempting in the morning when you're in a rush and want something tasty to start off your day with, but these come with plenty of sugar and not many other nutritional benefits. Not to mention, starting the day with a sugar-heavy option can also make more cravings show up later.
14. Oatmeal With Fruit And Cinnamon
Breakfast is important, and we'd recommend eating something that's more wholesome and healthy so you start your mornings off right. Oatmeal with fruit and cinnamon might sound boring at first, but it's warm, filling, and easy to customize to your liking.
15. Creamy Pasta
Creamy pasta dishes are rich, comforting, and easy to crave after a long day, but most of the sauces are made with lots of cream, butter, and cheese which can make the meal heavier than you intended. Eat them in large portions and it can also leave you feeling sluggish instead of satisfied.
16. Whole-Grain Pasta With Lighter Sauce
Pasta is easy to make at home, so cook it yourself to make the dish healthier! For instance, whole-grain pasta with a lighter sauce gives you the same comfort while adding more fiber to the plate. A sauce made with olive oil, garlic, vegetables, or a small amount of Greek yogurt can still taste smooth and just as flavorful.
Aleksandra Tanasiienko on Unsplash
17. Packaged Cookies
Just like potato chips, packaged cookies can be hard to resist at the grocery store. They're easy to keep around in the pantry, which is exactly why they're so easy to overeat. Many store-bought cookies are made with refined flour, added sugars, and processed fats, so they really don't offer much good to your body.
18. Peanut Butter Banana Bites
For a tasty sweet treat you'll actually enjoy, peanut butter banana bites are a simple, sweet, and surprisingly satisfying replacement for cookies. Just slice a banana, add a small spread of peanut butter between two pieces, and chill them. The banana brings natural sweetness, while peanut butter adds healthy fat and a bit of protein.
19. Pizza Loaded With Processed Meats
Pizza is one of America’s favorite foods because it’s cheesy, savory, and easy to share. But sadly, when it’s loaded with processed meats, extra cheese, and thick crust, it can become exceptionally high in sodium and saturated fat. Ordering pizza once in a while is fine, but you definitely shouldn't eat it regularly.
20. Veggie-Packed Thin-Crust Pizza
To lighten your pizza cravings, a veggie-packed thin-crust pizza keeps the best parts while making it healthier. Choose a thinner crust, go moderate on the cheese, and add toppings like peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or olives. It still tastes like pizza, but it gives your plate a lot more balance.
KEEP ON READING
20 Habits That Can Make Your Arteries Stiffer
