Upgrade Junk Food Favorites with These Deliciously Healthy Twists
Who doesn't love indulging in their favorite junk foods? We are just as obsessed as the next person, but we also know that junk food is not always the healthiest choice.
But what if we told you that you could enjoy these beloved treats guilt-free? Yes, you read that right! We will show you how 12 of your favorite junk foods can have a healthy twist and still be delicious.
So, buckle up your taste buds and dive into the world of mouthwatering upgrades that will have you saying, “Who knew healthy could taste this good?” Make junk food your new health food hero — no cape required!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries Instead of French Fries

Everyone loves a salty, greasy plate of French fries with a side of sweet, tangy ketchup. Just writing about them makes us want to eat them right now! Unfortunately, classic French fries offer little nutrition.
There is, however, a very simple upgrade: swap them for a plate of baked sweet potato fries instead. Not only do baked fries contain less oil and fat than deep-fried potatoes, but sweet potatoes are also very nutritious. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Ditch the old, plain fries and swap them for tastier, healthier sweet potato fries.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza Instead of Regular Pizza

The regular pizza crust is made with plain, white flour that is heavily processed and just not healthy. Cauliflower, on the other hand, is high in antioxidants and fiber, and it contains tons of nutrients.
Plus, it is a fantastic option for those who love pizza but are monitoring their carb intake. Slather that pizza sauce and cheese on top of a cauliflower crust, and you will discover a new love for healthy pizza!
Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds Instead of Candy Bars

Are you craving candy? It happens to all of us. Instead of reaching for a packaged candy bar full of corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives, grab a handful of chocolate-covered almonds. You will still get that sweet, chocolate taste you are looking for, along with a satisfying crunch from the almonds.
You probably already know that almonds are high in protein, fiber, vitamin E, and antioxidants, making them a fantastic addition to any diet. As an added bonus, combining dark chocolate with nuts prevents a spike in blood sugar.
Black Bean Brownies Instead of Regular Brownies

We are big brownie fans and know that when that craving hits, you must find some to eat ASAP! Rather than reaching for regular brownies full of sugar and empty calories, try making black bean brownies instead.
Many black bean brownie recipes online are super easy to make and taste so, so good. You won’t even realize that your brownies contain nutritious, fiber-packed beans. This swap is also good for those looking for gluten-free dessert options.
Veggie/Fruit Chips in Place of Potato Chips

Potatoes are not all that healthy. They are full of starch and not much in the way of vitamins and minerals. Luckily, there are lots of incredible veggie or fruit chips on the market that will significantly improve your snack time.
Look for veggie or fruit chips that have vegetables or fruit listed as the first ingredient, as that means they contain fewer fillers. If you can find baked chips rather than deep-fried, you are even better off!
Air Popped Popcorn Instead of Microwave Popcorn

Did you know that microwavable popcorn bags sometimes contain perfluorinated compounds or PFCs? PFCs have been linked to cancer, which means that the popcorn snack you love so much can be seriously bad for you.
If you need to eat popcorn, try popping the kernels yourself inside a skillet or pan. It is so easy to do and will help you make a delicious, PFC-free snack that you can eat anytime you want! Ditch the microwave popcorn and give this healthier swap a try.
Frozen Yogurt in Place of Ice Cream

We do not expect you to give up your frozen dessert habit, but we do know how you can swap that ice cream for something a little healthier: buy frozen yogurt instead!
Real frozen yogurt is made with yogurt as the number one ingredient. Yogurt is known to have probiotics, which are good for your gut health. Frozen yogurt is typically made with less sugar than ice cream, too, and tastes just as good!
Baked Cheese Crisps Instead of Cheese Puffs

Everyone loves a good cheesy snack, but those cheese puffs you buy in the snack aisle are full of processed additives and chemicals. They may not even be made with real cheese but just cheese flavoring.
Instead, make some homemade cheese crisps that are honestly addictive. Just preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and toss some grated parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar cheese together in a bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cheese mix onto a baking tray, then bake the cheese in a preheated oven for about 7 minutes. The cheese will melt into a circle, and the edges will begin to brown. You will have a crunchy, tasty snack ready to eat in minutes!
Smoothies Rather Than Milkshakes

There is not much good about a milkshake other than the flavor. Yes, milkshakes taste amazing, but they are a dessert that is loaded with way too much sugar. Skip the milkshakes and opt for smoothies instead!
Smoothies are made with fruit, milk, and sometimes yogurt. You will get to enjoy a cold, refreshing drink that has some health benefits — we all know that fruit is better for us than ice cream!
Dried Fruit in Place of Gummy Bears

Gummy bears are almost entirely artificial. They are made with fake flavorings, unhealthy corn syrup, and terrible food coloring. Those gummy bears belong in the trash! Get yourself some dried fruit instead.
Nothing is tastier than a big bag of chewy, sweet, dried fruit. Fruits already naturally contain sugar, so when looking for this snack, ensure there is no added sugar listed. Plus, fruit has many health benefits that will make you feel good about every bite.
Sparkling Water in Place of Soda

Have you ever looked at the label on a soda can? Those popular drinks are full of sugar and so many chemicals that you probably don’t even know what you are putting into your body. Stop your multi-can-a-day habit and start drinking something healthier.
Give sparkling water a try in place of soda. It is unsweetened and typically made with just carbonated water. Add some fresh fruit to your sparkling water to give it a more natural and refreshing flavor.
Kale Chips Rather Than Potato Chips

Let’s go back to our craving for chips. We know you want them (we do, too!), but since we shouldn’t eat them, why not give kale chips a try?
Kale chips are made with kale, olive oil, salt, and whatever seasonings you want to add. They even make cheesy kale chips, which are oh-so yum! Buy them, make them, and feel good about eating this healthy snack.
Muffins Rather Than Donuts

All that icing and fried dough is hard to resist, but you must! Do not give in to the temptation of a donut. Instead, go for a whole grain or oat flour muffin. Muffins have way less sugar than donuts and are still just as tasty.
I love a good fruit-filled muffin, and when I eat one, I never even think about donuts. It's the perfect morning pick-me-up.