There’s nothing like eating a bag of chips or munching down on some ice cream after a hard day at work. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that having some snacks and junk food can help with stress from work. In some cases, many of these junk foods are crucial parts of many daily activities, such as watching movies or spectating a sport in your area.
However, many of us have grown accustomed to the munching of junk food that a good portion of the population will result in emotional eating as a coping mechanism to feelings of stress and anxiety. Although eating is one of the most important parts of sustaining key bodily functions by providing nutrients and vitamins to organs, eating too much of the wrong food products can do more harm than good.
Junk food and many types of processed food are known for being jam-packed with sodium and sugar. Even though this will have an important part in much of our bodily functions, many types of junk food are low in nutrients that our body needs to remain in tip-top condition.
So what are some ways in swapping out processed food from our daily diet? How do you ensure that your dishes are tasty while also having the necessary vitamins and nutrients for the body? Here are some essential things that you’ll need to consider.
Pasta for Go-to Snacks
First and foremost, one of the most critical parts of substituting processed food from your daily diet is by focusing on your calorie intake. Again, the main feature of junk food is that it’s filled to the brim with sugar and salt while having little to no nutritional value.
Although calories are a vital part of giving us the energy to work for the rest of the day, excess amounts of calories can cause health problems. So what’s a good substitute for junk food? Pasta is an excellent source of calories without needing too much salt and sugar.
Many experts would suggest using whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta. Whole wheat pasta is known for having more nutrients, such as omega 3. Some dietitians will replace sugar and sodium with herbs and spices as a means of enhancing the flavour.
Are you looking for more ways to maximize the flavour of your pasta and other dishes? You won’t have to look far since there is a delicious pasta sauce from Del Monte that’s known for being the best sauce in the market. Not only will this maximize the flavor of your pasta, but this also provides much-needed vitamins and nutrients.
Swapping Out Ice Cream for Yogurt
Ice cream is one of the popular junk food that most people eat during their spare time. Although it is tasty, it’s full of sugar and flavourings. If you’re craving sweets and creamy desserts, you might want to consider yoghurt as a healthier choice. Yoghurt is known for being low-fat while helping your digestive system’s gut since it’s rich in probiotics, which makes it suitable for digestion.
Fruit smoothies are also a viable choice, especially if you plan on using low-fat cream. This is an excellent substitute for other smoothies if you plan on losing weight when you’re exercising.
High-protein Legumes
Last but not least, one of the most critical parts of your diet that you’ll need to consider is your intake of protein. Protein is one of the most important macronutrients in your body since this is responsible for repairing damaged tissue, helping your body grow, and keeping much of your strength up.
However, specific sources of protein, such as meat, can be high in fat and cholesterol that could have an impact on cardiovascular health. So what’s a better alternative? Legumes and certain types of vegetables are excellent sources of protein. At the same time, these alternatives have little to no cholesterol.
As you can see, there are a variety of alternatives to processed food. It’s important to keep in mind that even though readily made food products are more convenient and easily accessed, that doesn’t mean that they are the most optimal choice in a healthy lifestyle. Before you buy processed food from the grocery store, you should do your research and look through the product’s labels and ingredients.
Still, you’ll need to remember that each person has unique body chemistry. The diet that might work for others might not necessarily work for your body. Consulting with a medical professional or dietitian is the best course of action before making final decisions.
