Got a Craving? Make a Swap!

If you’re following a healthy eating plan but have a snack-food craving, what do you do? Prepare yourself with healthy swaps. Whether they’re store bought or homemade, we have suggestions for healthier versions of the most popular snack foods: salty snacks, fried foods, fast food, and sweet treats.

Salty Snacks:
When it comes to potato chips, store bought, light versions are your best bet. Look for “Light” or “Baked” versions of your favorite brands, or try these suggestions:
Pop Chips – only 110 calories per 1 ounce serving
Glenny’s Low-fat Soy Crisps – 140 calories for 2.6 ounces
Utz Rice Crisps – 140 calories per 1 ounce serving

Fried Foods:
Whether you opt for store bought or fast food versions of French fries, both varieties can provide a dose of unhealthy saturated and trans fat. When a craving strikes, try this simple swap for preparing French fries at home:

Baked French Fries:
~ 1lb Russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, or turnips – peeled and cut into “fry” shapes,
1/8 tsp course sea salt
Lay “fries” onto a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Let fries sit to allow for excess moisture to release. Pat dry. Bake 20 minutes at 425º, flip, and then bake an additional 20 minutes.

Fast Food:
Pizza is a family favorite, especially for busy weeknight meal ideas. Try the recipe below for a healthy, fun, and delicious homemade pizza:
Single Serve Pizzas:
1 package whole grain pocket-less pitas or whole grain English muffins, assorted pizza toppings– low-fat cheese, marinara sauce, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables. Add cooked, chopped grilled chicken breast for an extra boost of protein.
Place pitas on a baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. Top with marinara sauce, cheese and assorted toppings. Bake in the oven at 350º until cheese is melted, toppings are heated, and pita is lightly toasted.

Sweet Treats:
How sweet it is to have options like these! If you’ve got a sweet tooth for ice cream and frozen treats, ShopRite has many “light” or “low-fat” versions available. Look for labels that say “no sugar added,” “light,”, “slow churned,” or “fat-free.” Be sure to always read labels. Try these:
Edy’s Slow Churned frozen yogurt – made with skim milk and yogurt
ShopRite no sugar added fudge pops – only 50 calories per pop
Breyer’s Smooth and Dreamy fat free – create a sandwich with low-fat graham crackers
So Delicious coconut milk mini fudge bar – only 70 calories per bar