One thing that is so hard to deal with over the holidays when you may have more down time is cravings. Whether you are with the fam, on a holiday, or just relaxing at home catching up on your TV sport or show of choice, you probably will experience cravings. These are heightened in the winter “comfort food” season, when we tend to feel a little more down (see my article here about that) and just more low energy.

This doesn’t have to be a white knuckling game of willpower though. Here are some satisfying alternatives that won’t compromise your commitment to a balanced lifestyle. 

Whether it’s a sweet tooth calling or a hankering for something savory, these healthy swaps will help you kick any craving to the curb.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

• Apple Pie Craving: Baked Apples
  • Healthy Swap: Dice an apple, sprinkle it with cinnamon, and sauté it in a nonstick pan until soft. The warm, spiced apples provide the same comforting flavors as apple pie without the added sugars and unhealthy fats.
• Cookie Craving: Make your Own
  • Healthy Swap: Create guilt-free cookies by mashing together 1/2 cup rolled oats, one overripe banana, and a dash of cinnamon. Scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes. These naturally sweet treats offer a delightful crunch without the processed sugars found in traditional cookies.
  • OR if you are too lazy to bake try Catalina Crunch Cookies
• Cheesecake Craving: Greek Yogurt and Cheesecake Pudding mix
  • Healthy Swap: Whip up a Greek yogurt cheesecake using sugar-free Jello pudding mix. The creamy texture and rich flavor will satisfy your cheesecake cravings without the excess calories and sugars.
• Chocolate Pudding Craving: Chocolate protein powder
  • Healthy Swap: Mix your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), cocoa powder, protein powder, and high-protein nut butter for a nutritious chocolate pudding alternative.

Satisfy Your Savory Cravings

• Chips and Dip Craving: Veggies and dip
  • Healthy Swap: Slice up crunchy vegetables and pair them with a Greek yogurt-based dip with herbs, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional high-calorie chips and dip.
• Pasta Craving: Pasta alternatives
  • Healthy Swap: Heart of Palm pasta, which Trader Joe’s sells, or Shirataki Noodles, which you can buy in many whole foods stores. Essentially the whole packet can be eaten for just 10-20 calories, and it has plenty of fiber to keep you full.
• Pizza Craving: Cauliflower crust pizza
  • Healthy Swap: Make a cauliflower crust pizza with your favorite veggies and lean protein. This gluten-free alternative is lower in carbs and calories compared to traditional pizza crusts.
  • Or buy a frozen one from Caulipower
• French Fries Craving: Sweet potato fries
  • Healthy Swap: Bake sweet potato fries with a dash of olive oil and your favorite herbs for a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional deep-fried potatoes.
  • BEWARE of ordering the restaurant version, they usually deep fry them in the same oil so you might as well get the real ones:)
• Crunchy Cravings – Nuts and Seeds
  • Healthy Swap: Snack on a mix of nuts, seeds, and toasted chickpeas for a satisfying and crunchy alternative.
• Salty Food Craving – Pickles
  • Healthy Swap: Munch on pickles for a low-calorie, crunchy, and salty snack.
• Nachos Craving – Whole Grain Corn Chips with Salsa
  • Healthy Swap: Enjoy whole grain corn chips with salsa for a flavorful and lighter alternative to traditional nachos.
• Movie Theater Popcorn Craving: Air popped popcorn
  • Healthy Swap: Air-pop popcorn and sprinkle it with your favorite seasonings for a guilt-free movie night snack.
• Gummy Candy Craving: Berries
  • Healthy Swap: Opt for fresh berries to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugars.
• Soda Craving: Flavored sparkling water
  • Healthy Swap: Choose flavored sparkling water for a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas.
• Chocolate Craving: Fresh fruit with dark chocolate
  • Healthy Swap: Dip fresh fruit in dark chocolate for a decadent yet nutritious treat.
  • Brookside is not a bad alternative choice
• Candy Bar Craving: Dates
  • Healthy Swap: Indulge in dates drizzled with honey for a sweet and satisfying alternative to candy bars.
• Wings Craving: Cauliflower bites and buffalo sauce
  • Healthy Swap: Enjoy cauliflower bites with buffalo sauce for a flavorful and vegetarian alternative to traditional wings.
• Burger Craving: Animal Style (like In-n-Out
  • Healthy Swap: Opt for a turkey or game burger (like bison) with low-fat cheese and skip the bun for a leaner version of a classic.
• Subway or Hoagie Craving: Turkey “tacos”
  • Healthy Swap: Wrap spinach and cheese in lean deli meat like turkey for a lighter and lower-carb alternative.

Conclusion

With these delicious and nutritious swaps, you can conquer any craving while staying on the path to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Embrace these choices, and watch as your cravings transform into tasty, guilt-free pleasures. Remember, a healthy diet is all about making mindful choices without sacrificing the joy of eating.