Posted: 09/27/2016

Substitutes for Junk Food Increase in Popularity

Healthy alternatives to unhealthy food

Health-conscious consumers are discovering that they can have their cake and eat it too—as long as that cake is made from healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes.

The Atlantic recently reported on the increasingly popular practice of making “fake junk foods” by making unhealthy food with healthy ingredient substitutions. For example, an enterprising home chef can use a device called a spiralizer to shave zucchini into thin strands that become “pasta”, and someone with a sweet tooth can curb their cravings by blending frozen bananas into something called “nice cream”. You’ve likely already seen ready-made healthy junk food alternatives on the shelves of your local grocery store—kale chips that take the place of potato chips are just one popular example.

When eating healthy food substitutions, many people feel that they can enjoy large portions of meals that mostly taste like the guilty pleasures they love, without having to worry about going over their daily recommended caloric intake. However, some nutritionists are concerned that there could be negative consequences of throwing portion control out the window in favor of junk food alternatives.

The Potential Downsides of Faking Your Junk Foods

The main problem with the fake junk food trend is that it can encourage overeating. Research has shown that people eat up to 35% more of a food when they perceive it as healthy, and in the process, they may end up consuming more calories than they think. Additionally, in their attempt to add flavor to faux junk foods, some home cooks may unwittingly exceed their daily recommended values in other nutritional categories. For example, carrots can be roasted and dressed up to taste like hot dogs, but when you start adding salt, soy sauce, or condiments, you may end up consuming a high level of sodium, which increases your risk for high blood pressure.

Fruits and vegetables are recommended to be a large part of a healthy diet, as pictured in this diagram, but few people actually meet the recommended portions shown here. Source: choosemyplate.gov

The Benefits of Healthy Food Substitutions

While there are potential pitfalls to healthy junk food alternatives, there’s also something to be said for any trend that encourages people to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet. The USDA recommends that adults consume two and a half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit every day, but few Americans adhere to these guidelines. According to a CDC report, less than 18% of U.S. adults meet the daily recommendations for fruit consumption, while less than 14% meet the recommendations for vegetable consumption.

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet has numerous health benefits; these food groups can provide valuable nutrients, help you manage your weight, and reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. If you want to consume more fruits and vegetables but find you have a hard time working them into your daily diet, it may help to disguise them as fries, pasta, burgers, or other foods that you like.

By HelpRx Staff Writer

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About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

About HelpRx

Our discounts provide you access to negotiated prices on your prescription drugs at your local pharmacy. We can provide these because we're partnered with OptumRx, a BIG pharmacy benefit provider that provides prescription coverage for MILLIONS of people like you.

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