13 Healthy Swaps to Satisfy Cravings
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.
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Behind every health goal is a good intention. Maybe you really want to clean up your diet, or perhaps your health has been turned upside down, or maybe you simply aren’t feeling as good as you used to.
Good intentions inevitably fall short when we make the mistake of vowing to abstain from our favorite comfort foods, setting up a multitude of rules and restrictions that not even the most disciplined person could follow.
I’m not suggesting you indulge in cheesy, chocolatey, fizzy and salty treats with wild abandon, because that’s not the way to better health. But when you approach these comfort foods with a “forbidden” mindset, that’s immediate grounds for food preoccupation and eventual failure. Why? Because we always want what we’re told we can’t have. This is especially true for food.
The good news is you don’t have to give up your favorite foods because I’ve crafted a list of 13 Fx-approved comfort food swaps to satisfy your cravings. Now you can literally have your cookies and eat them too!
Craving Cookies?
The GFB (Gluten Free Brothers) Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites are packed with everything a cookie should have, minus tons of added sugar. While the average packaged cookie can have upwards of 15 grams of added sugar per serving, this cookie has a mere 3 grams and tastes even better because it’s made with better ingredients. Found in the Cookie aisle.
Craving Pizza?
Swapping traditional pizza crust for a sprouted English muffin in this easy Sprouted English Muffin Pizza recipe allows you to increase your fiber intake without sacrificing any delicious Italian-inspired flavor. Finish with mushrooms, onions, artichoke hearts, or other classic pizza toppings you love.
Craving Chips and Salsa?
Made with good-for-you avocado oil, Siete Maiz Blue Corn Tortilla Chips are the perfect vehicle for Heinen’s Pico De Gallo Salsa!
Craving French Fries?
A satisfyingly savory snack or side dish, just like French fries but with a little less starch and a little more nutrition. These Chickpea Dusted Carrot Fries are the perfect partner for your favorite sandwiches, wraps and burgers. Enjoy them dipped in Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayo.
Craving a Sandwich?
There’s nothing like a sandwich built with wholesome whole grain sprouted Silver Hills bread, Hummus Goodness (an authentic chickpea, tahini and olive oil hummus), Two Brothers organic, preservative-free turkey, and nutrient-packed Vigeo microgreens.
Craving Ice Cream?
Alden’s Orange Cream and Chocolate Fudge frozen dessert bars contain nothing artificial, are made with organic cream, and have 10 grams of added sugar. At first glance, this may seem like a lot of sugar but compared to the 18-20 grams of added sugar in conventional ice cream bars, they are a definite upgrade.
Craving Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup?
Transform traditional grilled cheese into a toasted sandwich with more fiber and omega-3 fats by using Silver Hills sprouted whole grain bread, Heinen’s Organic A2 Grass-Fed Raw Cheese and Kerrygold Grass-Fed Butter. Serve with a bowl of Amy’s Kitchen Organic Low Sodium Chunky Tomato Bisque. A classic comfort meal made over!
Craving Chocolate?
Hu’s Chocolate Covered Almond Hunks and Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate Bites are my go-to choices whenever I have a chocolate craving. No fillers, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners or refined sugar – just creamy, chocolatey, USDA organic goodness. Found in the Candy aisle.
Craving Cheese and Crackers?
Top Seedz Crackers aren’t your traditional refined, high glycemic cracker. These low sodium crackers are made with a mix of sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seeds, making them an ideal snack for better blood sugar control. Smear it with rich and creamy cashew-based Nuts for Cheese for a plant-based treat that tastes like the real thing.
Craving Tacos?
Create a flavorful, well-balanced Veggie Taco Bowl that is fast, family friendly, and the perfect balance of complex carbs, vegetables, and fiber. Heinen’s pre-sliced fajita veggie mix takes away most of the prep time, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal.
Craving Mac and Cheese?
Due to its main ingredient of chickpeas, Banza pasta offers two things not found in traditional pasta: 11 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving. To the cooked pasta, stir in your desired amount of Primal Kitchen Spicy Queso, a dairy-free cheese made from pureed pumpkin seed butter. Primal Kitchen Spicy Queso also makes a tasty base for nachos.
Craving Soda?
Drink Olipop—a soda that’s actually good for you! It combines prebiotics, plant fiber and botanical extracts to support your digestive system. Each can has 9 grams of fiber, 2-5 grams of sugar and 45 calories or less. Did I mention it’s super fizzy and delicious? Try one of their many mouthwatering flavors: Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Doctor Goodwin, and more! Found in Heinen’s Wellness cooler.
Craving Hot Chocolate?
Om Hot Chocolate Superfood Mushroom Blend combines reishi, lion’s mane, chaga and turkey tail with organic cocoa for a creamy hot chocolate experience. Each serving contains beta-glucans for immune support and ashwagandha to help your body adapt to stress. Found in Heinen’s Wellness department.
Key Takeaway
Exchange your deprivation-driven attitude for an abundance mindset! Focus on the plethora of nutritious and delicious foods you get to enjoy (rather than those you are avoiding), including these better-for-you comfort foods. And when you are tempted to return to your old habits, chew on this: Your body is your residence. Would you rather live in a garbage dump or a palace?
