Fast Food Addict? Consume These Treats Without Calorie Counting

Flickr Image Courtesy Of: Jennifer Chait

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There’s no getting away from it: most of us love junk food; but, at the same time, hate the high calorie content, processed ingredients or mountains of sugar that go hand in hand with our favourite treats. It’s okay to have things like cookies, sundaes and burgers once in awhile, but there are also healthier substitutes you can enjoy too.

Turkey Burger & Sweet Potato Fries

Probably one of the most easily recognizable products when it comes to fast food is a glistening, greasy quarter pounder and a box of salty, golden fries courtesy of McDonald’s. However an adult sized McDonald’s meal contains around 1000 calories, and when women are advised to consume 1,500 per day that’s a huge chunk!

Don’t despair though because you can create your own burger and fries from scratch. Buy turkey, instead of ground beef as it has less fat and shape it into burger patties before cooking. Much of the calories come from added sauces, so after you’ve popped the lettuce, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, etc into the whole grain bread bun, add a low fat mayonnaise or ranch dressing.

Chilli Beef Salad

Salads don’t have to be boring and with the right ingredients they can easily become a delicious starter or a sumptuous main course. This chili beef salad is sticky, sweet and just a little bit spicy. It’s best served with plain white rice or even couscous for a different taste. You can buy large cuts of beef from the store or use recommended beef importers that’ll give you quality, fresh cuts of meat in a size of your choice.

Fry thin beef strips in a shallow skillet for around five to ten minutes, making sure that they’re completely cooked before you add in mushrooms, peppers, and onions. Fry the veggies and meat together  before tipping into your  prepared salad bowl containing lettuce, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño chillies , tomatoes and red onion. Mix it all together and then drizzle a honey mustard sauce or relish over the top.

Fruit Filled Popsicles

On a hot, summer’s day or a unexpectedly warm spring afternoon, whether it’s a creamsicle, a drumstick, or a good old ice cream cone, you want a delicious, refreshing treat. Ward off any sugar cravings and keep your calorie count low by whipping up a batch of fruity, flavorsome ice pops that all ages will love.

Pour your juice mixture into the Popsicle Molds and then freeze for at least six hours, although to make sure they’re properly frozen it’s best to leave them overnight. Experiment with flavors or add in pieces of dried fruit such as pineapple, peach or banana to create a unique, healthy snack.

Popcorn Balls

Instead of opening a packet of store bought popcorn to watch a movie why not make your own low fat popcorn? Either use a frying pan, microwave or a Hot Air Popper to pop your plain corn kernels and then drizzle over some honey, maple syrup or dark chocolate. Add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit pieces and carefully spoon the popcorn mixture into mini cupcake cases, leaving it in the fridge to cool before serving.

Everything in moderation is a good motto to live by! Keep your treats for special times, and use the ideas above to help curb your cravings!