It’s a weekend night and the kids are begging for pizza to go along with the movie you’re watching. It would have been easy to reach for the phone and call delivery, but you realize that pizza in most fast food chains have copious amount of unhealthy fats and calories. Pizza, along with a host of other fast food favorites like fries, burgers, and milkshake are some of the biggest culprits for obesity and obesity-related health disorders. But fast foods, despite their unhealthy nature, are often delicious, making them more difficult to give up. You can whip up your own fast food alternatives at home which are healthier and nutritious.
1. Sweet Potato Fries vs. French Fries
Instead of the regular French fries that often come with burgers, opt for a healthier version: sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes have low glycemic index and are high in fiber. If you’re looking to lose weight, cut up sweet potatoes into strips, season with salt and pepper and cook in an air fryer appliance. Your sweet potatoes will come out just as crunchy but less oily and definitely healthier. Remember to use a good air fryer as it can limit oil usage and good for your health.
2. Homemade Pita Pizza vs. Delivery Pizza
Instead of calling delivery and waiting for pizza to arrive, why not use that time to come up with your homemade and healthier version? Simply use whole pita in lieu of the pizza dough and spread over some homemade tomato or pizza sauce over it. Season the dough with kale or baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, shredded chicken or steak, chopped bell pepper and sliced tomatoes. Microwave the “pizza” and you’re good to go. This is the healthier and cheaper option for take-out/deliver pizzas, and tastes just as delicious, if not, better.
3. Turkey Burrito Cheeseburgers
You’re all too familiar with the fat, browned patty with slightly melted cheese on top, sandwiched between two equally fat buns. Many people consider cheeseburgers as comfort food, but given that they contain at least 900 calories and 50 grams of fat, you know you need to pick a healthier alternative. Lay down a whole pita, place sliced turkey into it; add beans, vegetables and avocados and roll to close. You’d still feel as full whooping down a cheeseburger, but less guilty over the calories.
4. Homemade Strawberry Smoothie vs. Milkshake
The commercial milkshake in your favorite fast food joint can contain as much 500 calories. To significantly cut down the calories, opt for a homemade strawberry smoothie that contains around 150 calories. Simply blend fresh strawberries, plain non-fat yogurt or skim milk and ice, serve and enjoy. It gives you the same amount of satisfaction as milkshake does, minus the calories.
As humans, we are vulnerable to the temptations and convenience of fast food and giving in occasionally is acceptable. But when you’re home, you have more control over the portion and ingredients that goes into your food. You can satisfy the craving for fast food favorites by whipping up healthier and better versions of them (air fryer recipes are good example), weeding out unhealthy ingredients and opting for nutritious ones.