What is Considered Junk Food?
Your favorite junk foods are basically processed foods that have negligible nutrients and high calories. Usually, they are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Brands make these foods appealing by looks and enjoyable by taste. They trick your mind by offering tempting, delicious food, and you feel an urge for more.
You will find many processed products, including gum, snack foods, candy, sugar desserts, sweetened carbonated beverages, and fried fast food. Most of these foods have little or no nutrients. Some fast foods also fall into this category.
How Can Junk Food be Healthy?
Yes, some junk foods can be healthy if you consume them wisely. Do you know these mouthwatering foods also contain some nutrients that are essential for your body?
For instance, they can be a good source of folate, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin Bi2, protein, calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients. Surprised? Of course, you are. All these nutrients are beneficial for your body.
Let’s take the example of Vitamin A. This nutrient can lower the risk of developing lung and prostate cancer, prevent cataracts, and promote healthier skin.
Besides, Vitamin B2 and B6 convert the food into energy and metabolize protein and fats. Moreover, Vitamin C boosts your body’s defense mechanism to protect you from various cancers, including stomach, breast, and mouth cancer. Other nutrients like folate, calcium, protein, and iron also play a great role in boosting the function of your organs and make your body strong.
So, don’t worry if you are a food lover and crave junk foods, as long as they come with all these nutrients. Enjoy your favorite snack at any time you want, but make sure to eat them in moderate amounts.
You must also have healthy foods in your diet; else, it can be harmful to your health.
10 Best Junk Foods that are Healthy
Are you ready to know what type of processed food you can eat? Read further to pick one junk food for today.
1. Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read it right. You can enjoy a bite of your favorite chocolate if it contains less sugar. Dark chocolates are the most popular processed foods that are also healthy. These tasty treats usually have a low amount of sugar. Furthermore, these bitter chocolates are packed with protein and fiber.
Not to mention, their taste is so intense that you can’t overeat them. So, pick the chocolate bars made from 70% cocoa on your next trip to the market.
2. Popcorn
These movie night snacks are made from the whole grain. It makes you feel that you have eaten more than you want.
Bring popcorn kernels and make them by yourself. This way, you can decide how much oil or butter you want. The interesting part is, you can experiment with several seasonings to choose your favorite one. Some wonderful toppings are chili powder, cinnamon sugar, and parmesan cheese.
3. Pretzels
Pretzels are another mouthwatering junk food; they are a salty snack with low-fat. You have a variety of flavors to choose from, such as spicy buffalo wings or honey mustard. The calories can slightly differ from flavor to flavor.
4. Ice Cream
Who can resist the temptation of eating ice cream, especially in cold weather? Well, now you don’t need to.
Ice creams have some beneficial nutrients, such as protein and calcium, which are great for your health. Some of the brands also make it with a higher amount of vitamin B and probiotics.
Unless you overeat them, ice creams can be a healthy food for you.
5. Potato Chips
I know, I know. You might be wondering how French fries can be healthy. Won’t you gain extra fat because of potato chips? That is also true to some extent.
But some potato chips can be healthy for you. The best potato chips that don’t affect your body are free from MSG. This is a common additive that some food brands use. The MSG can cause you allergic reactions, obesity, and headaches.
6. Angel Food Cake
Who doesn’t love to eat angel food cake with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee? But you might need to resist yourself, considering its effects on your body.
Well, you need to know that this heavenly dessert doesn’t contain any fat content. These soft delights are made from whipped egg whites, which are beneficial for your body in multiple ways.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Don’t judge it by its name. The sweet in its name doesn’t indicate that it has high sugar content. In fact, if you get the chance to choose sweet potato over the white potato, then go for it.
You will gain somewhat the same amount of calories and carbs. But the sweet ones also contain a high amount of Vitamin A and fiber.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to the kitchen and make some delicious French fries.
8. Oatmeal Cookies
If you are a cookie monster and have a special place for cookies in your heart, pick oatmeal cookies.
Oats are healthy, whole-grain food. The cookies made from whole grain oats are high in fibers and minerals like iron and calcium. For additional health benefits, choose the ones with nuts and dried fruits, as they are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamin.
9. Cheese
It may sound “cheesy,” but pizza is incomplete without cheese topping. Not just pizza, it makes every type of food rich and flavorsome.
You can add cheese to your regular meals without worrying. They are a great source of protein and calcium.
Cheese that is hard and aged, such as Parmesan or sharp cheddar, is the best choice you can go for. To add to their benefits, eat them with nuts or fruit. It will give you a boost of Vitamins.
10. Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is the best alternative to doughnuts. They contain a high amount of Vitamins C, Vitamin B6, and potassium.
Select the recipes that include yogurt or buttermilk, and avoid using oil. This way, you can lower the fat content in your bread.
Bottom Line
Now you may know that if you choose your junk foods wisely, they can actually help your body in many ways. Make sure to eat any of the food mentioned above in moderate amounts.
About the Author
Lori Bogedin is a health and wellness writer and editor of TwigsCafe.com. She is in the restaurant business since 1999. In 2016 she was named one of the "Top Women in Business" by Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal.
