French fries, candy bars, cookie dough—nothing ever measures up to the taste of the real thing… until now. Trick your taste buds with these better-for-you alternatives, brought to you by Jackie Newgent, RD.
If you’re craving a hot pretzel with mustard
Swap it for: Roasted plantain chips with salsa verde
Peel and slice 3 medium green plantains into 1/8-inch-thick pieces. Toss well with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of salt, then bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Dry the chips on paper towels and serve with ¾ cup of salsa verde. Serves 4; 240 calories per serving.
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If you’re craving banana pudding
Swap it for: Mint-banana "nice cream"
Thaw 2 frozen bananas for 5 minutes, then place in a food processor with 1½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. Blend until creamy. Add 1 ounce of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and pulse. If desired, add a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder. Serves 2; about 290 calories per cup.
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If you’re craving chocolate chip cookie doughÂ
Swap it for: A Pure Genius Provisions chocolate chunk blondie ($23 for a box of 8; puregeniusprovisions.com)
Made with garbanzo beans, this gooey, gluten-free treat is full of protein. The big chunks of dark chocolate help disguise it as an indulgence.
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These nut-and-fruit-based snacks give you a sweet fix while also packing fiber and antioxidants.
kind-bar.jpg Photo: Ilain Bagwell