Day in day out we are perennially bombarded with images, pictures and adverts of processed, sugary food items that are literally within an arm’s length of desire’ as their producers have slyly intended them to be so. makers have intended them to be.
We have but to make a phone call and will be served within minutes with the very latest in upsized junk meals that would lead us feeling guilty about losing the perennial ‘battle of the bulge.’
Indeed, the extremely easy availability of processed food has led to a veritable epidemic of obesity that is not only drastically cutting down our collective life spans, but also destroying the quality of life that we already have.
For our own wellbeing, it is imperative that we substitute junk with more wholesome food that, while not being as palpable as the stuff we are used to consuming would be more nutritious and beneficial in the long run.
The question is what to do when those hunger pangs strike? Here is a list of low calorie alternatives to the ubiquitous pizza and shake:
Of apples and oranges et el:
The age-old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” was not really all that far from the truth. Delicious, crunchy, apples are choked full of natural goodness. Actually they have disease-fighting compounds called ‘antioxidants’ that are believed to help repair damaged cells.
Apples are also excellent appetite suppressants and their high fiber content makes them an ideal choice for people suffering from constipation.
They also stimulate saliva production and that in turns curtails halitosis (foul breath) causing bacteria in the mouth.
Hard boiled chicken eggs:
They pack a powerful protein punch indeed and are full of vitamins to boot. Hardly surprising, considering the fact that they exist to provide enough nourishment to the unborn chicken to grow strong enough to break the eggshell. Adding hard-boiled eggs to any diet plan not only soothes the hunger pangs but also provides calcium to keep the bones strong.
Celery Sticks:
A single large stick contains a miniscule 10 calories making it an integral part of any weight loss program. Moreover, that same single stick can easily deliver around 10% of your daily Vitamin A requirements and that’s definitely good news for your eyes since Vitamin A prevents degeneration of vision.
Carrots:
Carrots contain Beta Carotene: A powerful antioxidant that helps sharpen vision and also maintains healthy skin. They also have low calories and are quite filling in their own right.
Peaches:
Peaches are all but perfect when it comes to weight loss regimes and healthy eating lifestyles. Not only are they quite filling but pack a mere 35 to 50 calories and zero fat. They also fight obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Like apples, peaches also have a strong antioxidant count.
For a truly refreshing meal fruits and vegetables can be mixed up together and liberally sprinkled with walnuts, almonds pistachios, and other assorted nuts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, healthy eating is all about lifestyle changes. Saying no to junk food cravings and making a conscious choice to eat their healthier counterparts.
