Try these alternatives

In today's health-conscious world, striking a balance between indulging in tasty junk food and eating a nutritious diet can be difficult.

Fortunately, there are inventive ways to enjoy your favourite takeaway goodies without feeling guilty. Making these recipes at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, resulting in a healthier alternative.

National Junk Food Day is observed every year on 21st July, so why not enjoy a tasty treat!

We all enjoy treating ourselves on occasion, and there's nothing wrong with indulging in our favourite junk foods every now and then. It's important striking a balance and choosing healthier options whenever possible.

Let us look at some of the Pros and Cons of having fast food!

Pros -

1. Convenience: Junk food is easily accessible and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles.

2. Taste: Let's face it, junk food is intended to be delicious and pleasant, frequently hitting all the right notes with our taste buds.

3. Social happiness: Eating junk food may be a communal activity, bringing individuals together because they share a love of sumptuous delights.

Cons -

1. Nutritional Deficiency: Eating junk food on a regular basis can deplete critical nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

2. Weight Gain: Junk food is high in calories and fats, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.

3. Health Risks: Consuming junk food on a regular basis can lead to major health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

4. Addiction: Junk food's high sugar and fat content can be addictive, making it difficult to quit.

You can enjoy your favourite takeaways while living a better lifestyle by making your own versions:

Here are some homemade versions of popular takeaways, as well as calorie counts for similar alternatives available from several Coventry stores.

1. HOME MADE PIZZA

Ingredients: Whole wheat pizza base, tomato based sauce (such as passata), low-fat mozzarella cheese, lean protein (chicken or turkey), and plenty of vegetables (peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach).

Calories: Around 300-350 per slice.

Why It's Healthy:

Using a whole wheat pizza base increases fibre intake, a healthier sauce option lowers sugar, and adding additional vegetables increases nutritious density. Lean protein offers a lower-fat alternative to classic pepperoni or sausage.

2. CHIPS (or fries!)

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and optional herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

Why It's Healthy:

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants. Baking in the oven or air fryer rather than frying in oil lowers the overall fat content.

3. VEGGIE WINGS

Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, whole wheat flour, water, spicy sauce, and olive oil.

Why It's Healthy:

Cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable high in vitamin C and K. This is a vegan alternative to chicken wings.

Baking instead of frying minimises fat, and using a vegetable foundation instead of meat reduces calorie intake.

If you prefer to get something while you're out and about, here are some healthier options that you can find at different stores around Coventry:

Subway: Choose a 6-inch Turkey Breast Sandwich on whole wheat bread with plenty of vegetables for roughly 280 calories.

Greggs: Have a look at their balanced choice menu, including the Mexican Chicken Salad, which contains approximately 305 calories.

McDonalds: They offer meals for under 400 calories as a section on their main menu (check out their veggie deluxe wrap. Make it a healthier meal option by adding a fruit bag and a bottle of spring water)

Indulging in your favourite junk food does not have to wreck your healthy eating plans if done in moderation.

However, choosing to prepare these dishes at home allows you to enjoy great, satisfying meals with fewer calories and more nutritious advantages. Try out these DIY variations and enjoy the thrill of healthier junk food alternatives!