Top 5 Worst Foods for You (and Their Healthier Alternative)!

It always seems like, right when I start my diet, my roommates decide to buy up the whole grocery store. Temptation is everywhere, especially when it comes to food! I’m not really into junk food, but the ones I do love to eat seem to be at the very top of the Don’t Even Think About Eating That! list. So, for anyone who has the same self-control problems about food as I do, then this one is for you. So, without further ado, my top five worst foods to eat and their healthier alternatives, for your consumption. Don’t worry this, list is only five calories. (bah-dum-dum-CHING!)

5.  Pop Tarts

Pop Tarts were (and some days still are) my breakfast of choice. They are good toasted, frozen, or even room temperature. They are also perfect if you’re on the go. Unfortunately, they really offer no nutritional value. Most of the ingredients are oils and sugars, which is why it tastes so good. My personal favorite is the S’mores flavor. I can’t even bare to look the at nutritional content of my S’mores Pop Tart anymore.

Alternative: There are other options to Pop Tarts, such as organic Pop Tarts that taste very similar and are not much more expensive; but the best alternative is good ol' classic wheat or whole grain bread with some fruit jam. I don’t know if I’m ready to give up my Pop Tarts just yet, though...

4.  Bagels

Carbs. Carbs. And more Carbs. Bagels seem harmless, but in reality, they are equivalent to about three slices of white bread. Not to mention the heaping spoonfuls of cream cheese that we add. This simple, tasty breakfast food is probably responsible for a good chunk of my Freshman Fifteen.

Alternative: A good alternative to a bagel in the morning is an omelet. Cook up some eggs and add a little reduced-fat cheese, spinach, chicken breast, olives, and whatever else you can think of. The protein will keep you going throughout the day just as well as the carbs from the bagel.

3.  Iced Coffee/Frozen Cappuccinos

This refers to those amazing ice-blended drinks at any coffee location. They just make me feel so good when I drink them. It's probably the 500-plus calories that I’m consuming that helps me cope. Aside from the caffeine, the calorie count is just as much as one entire meal for the day. So, unless you plan on skipping lunch, it might be wiser to skip the Frappuccino.

Alternative: If you still need a coffee fix, try getting a smaller size or trading in the milk for soy, non-fat, or skim milk. And don’t even think about getting any whipped cream on top! The best alternative, though, will always be water.

2.  French Fries

Oh, the fried goodness. This is by far my biggest weakness. This side will be the one food that I may never be able to stop eating. Although potatoes are considered a vegetable, frying them makes it one of the worst foods to eat. Pure carbs and oils are what make French fries so wrong yet so right. A side of fries usually adds around 300 calories or more to your meal, and that's if you just get traditional plain French fries. Chili cheese friends, curly fries, and wedge-cut options can make the calorie count skyrocket.

Alternative: One good alternative are sweet potato fries. Sweet potato fries are becoming more and more popular in fast-food joints and restaurants. They have far less calories than regular fries and also have a high fiber content, which helps you feel fuller faster.

1. Donuts

Who knew that these little, sugary, deep-fried, wheels of joy could be so bad for you? Donuts are full of sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. They have a high calorie count that is low in fiber, meaning that you won’t feel full after having one. They are also full of trans fats, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and other health risks.

Alternative: The closest alternative to donuts is a muffin. Depending on the type of muffin, it can either be a healthy alternative or just another calorie trap. The best advice I can give for recovering donut addicts is not to go near them at all and have some carrots and celery instead. Team Fruits & Vegetables!

My uncle is a doctor, and he would always tell me what foods I should and shouldn’t eat. So many rules and things to remember! I asked him for something easier. He said, “If it tastes good, spit it out.” Thanks. That makes me feel better. I know how hard it is to give up eating the foods I love, but after seeing the things they do to my body and my health, it gets easier to give them up!