Food cravings are time and time again a topic that comes up with weight gain. Its a big issue. I, myself, have an intense craving for peanut butter pretty much throughout the day. I find myself going to the peanut butter jar often and scooping out a little spoonful just to satisfy my craving… thats not good! At least I only purchase peanut butter without any additives like sugar or salt – just peanuts ground up, thats all! Anyway, the point is that we all have cravings and usually it tends to be for something we really shouldn’t be eating if were trying to lose weight.

I want to share with you a healthy list of alternatives to foods that we crave or just foods that we eat often. Here’s to Clean Eating.

~~French Fries!

Instead of eating french fries that are deep fried, make your own at home: toss them with olive oil, a little salt and garlic and bake them instead! Or better yet, use sweet potatoes to get a little vitamins A, C and some protein and fiber. You’ll also save on calories!

~~Pizza!

It’s not all that bad, really. But, to make it better, opt for either a whole wheat crust or try gluten-free crust. In my opinion its barely noticeable plus I don’t feel weighted down by all that dough when I am done eating. It’s a nice change. Also, opt for healthier toppings than greasy pepperoni that is full of saturated fats and high in sodium. Top your pizza with fresh cut up vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms and tomatoes… I also suggest you ask for less cheese, or even try none at all. Or make your own pizzas! This cookbook has More than 600 Pizza Recipes in it! wow!

~~Mayonnaise!

When making a sandwich I usually choose to not use mayonnaise and instead I use the healthy fat avocado! Mash up 1/4 – 1/2 an avocado and spread it on the bread in place of mayonnaise (I also add a squirt of mustard on top because I love it) and you will be in avocado heaven… plus its amazingly better for your health. Another sandwich spread option is hummus! Any kind of hummus will do: garbanzo, white bean, edamame… the list goes on and on.

~~Mashed Potatoes!

Now, don’t get me wrong… potatoes are totally bad, but there are better options out there. For example: Mashed cauliflower! The calorie count in potatoes way surpasses cauliflower and plus cauliflower has many more nutrients such as vitamin C, K, B6, potassium, fiber & folate. Another option is to go for mashed sweet potato or yam! MMMM, my favorite. Plus you get all that vitamin C, A and some protein in there.

~~Fruit Juice!

I am talking about fruit juice with added sugars and all that other stuff. Read the labels on juices you buy and see for yourself… and not to mention the amount of calories in store bought juices, for such a little amount you can consume. Those calories will add up, and fast! Instead opt for water and add sliced fruits or other fruits such as blueberries. This option is amazingly more healthy for you.

~~And now to my craving – peanut butter!

 Lucky for me peanut butter is full of healthy fats and vitamins so I am not totally doing a bad thing. But, the calories add up quickly with any kind of nut butter. Other alternatives are almond butter which is packed with vitamin E and manganese. Or there is sunflower seed butter which has phytosterols that help lower cholesterol and its also packed with vitamin E and manganese. The main key with any nut butter is to eat it in moderation.

I hope to share more healthy ideas with you in the future, but for now just remember that  your body is a reflection of what you are. If you want to look healthy and feel healthy, you have to be healthy. Create Healthy Habits for a better life.