French fries, candy bars, cookie dough—nothing ever measures up to the taste of the real thing. Until now. Trick your taste buds with these better-for-you alternatives, brought to you by Jackie Newgent, RD.
If you’re craving a hot pretzel with mustard
Swap it for: Roasted plantain chips with salsa verde
Peel and slice 3 medium green plantains into 1/8-inch-thick pieces. Toss well with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of salt, then bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Dry the chips on paper towels and serve with ¾ cup of salsa verde. Serves 4; 240 calories per serving.
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If you’re craving banana pudding
Swap it for: Mint-banana “nice cream”
Thaw 2 frozen bananas for 5 minutes, then place in a food processor with 1½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. Blend until creamy. Add 1 ounce of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and pulse. If desired, add a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder. Serves 2; about 290 calories per cup.
If you’re craving French fries
Swap them for: Oven-baked potato thins
Slice 4 russet potatoes into 18 thin pieces each. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1½ teaspoon of vinegar, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of sea salt. Bake at 475°F for 30 minutes. Serves 4, 190 calories per 18 fries.
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If you’re craving chocolate chip cookie dough
Swap it for: A Pure Genius Provisions chocolate chunk blondie ($23 for a box of 8; puregeniusprovisions.com)
Made with garbanzo beans, this gooey, gluten-free treat is full of protein. The big chunks of dark chocolate help disguise it as an indulgence.
If you’re craving nachos
Swap them for: Homemade Middle Eastern nachos
Top 12 whole-grain pita chips with ½ cup each diced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, plus fresh parsley, a sprinkle of feta and a dollop of hummus. Serves 1; 330 calories per serving.
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If you’re craving a candy bar
Swap it for: A Kind Plus bar ($24 for a box of 12; amazon.com)
These nut-and-fruit-based snacks give you a sweet fix while also packing fiber and antioxidants.
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