Healthy Junk Food Recipes

Junk food is good…but it’s not good for you. But with these healthy junk food recipes, you can enjoy your favorites without all the fuss. 

Doughnuts. Ding Dongs. Doritos.

They taste good, but face it, they don’t do anything for your waistline or your kid’s either. They are full of sugars, processed foods, and a whole lotta stuff that you can’t pronounce, much less know what it is. 

And while every once in a while a dive into a big bag of chips does seem like it’s going to make you feel better; rest assured it won’t. But we know when you have an itch for something, sometimes you have to scratch it. And when the kids want it, it’s hard to always say no. However, with these tricks and tips we shared on EyeOpener TV, we’re taking the junk out of your junk food for healthy recipes you can enjoy anytime you want  – and you don’t have to feel bad when you eat it either. 

Healthy Donuts

These donuts may not be the healthiest, they are just better for you than what you’ll find at the bakery.  And with only TWO ingredients, this recipe also makes it easy to make too.  All you need is to combine a box of spice cake mix (you can use others, but this is my favorite) and a large can of pumpkin puree; then pour it into a greased donut pan (affiliate) this is the one I used for the TV segment). Cook ’em up and then if you want, add a little glazed icing or powdered sugar. If you need a step-by-step, here’s one with a breakdown…but it’s not rocket science. But it is good. 

 

Know what that is? Donuts done healthy! We’re showing you how to make your favorite junk food without all the junk tomorrow on @eyeopenertv! #mamachallenge #eyeopener #pumpkin #donuts #dallas #dallasblogger #recipe #ontheblogsoon #dfweats #doughnuts #healthy #snacks #kids

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Feb 25, 2016 at 9:45am PST

Healthy Cheese Crackers

My daughter has probably eaten 100 lbs of those gold-colored cheese crackers – and that was just last week. So when we found out she was allergic to gluten, we had to stop her habit in her tracks. So off to the races we went to uncover the perfect cheese cracker recipe. The best one we found is this recipe using only five ingredients  and replacing the flour for a gluten-free flour alternative. The hardest thing about this is finding a goldfish-shaped cookie cutter (affiliate.)

 

Healthy Gummies

I can take down a bag of gummy bears like no-one’s business. I knew there had to be a way to make a healthier version, but unfortunately, I’m still trying to find the perfect way. While we continue to make the perfect gummy, we did uncover a version that can do in a pinch. The only problem is that they have to be refrigerated, so there’s no putting these in your pocket Ferris Bueller style to share with your bestie on the bus. But we’re still working on that. Until then, you have this recipe to do the job from meatified. (And it only has 4 ingredients!)

Healthy Chocolate Truffles 

When we share this recipe we love to describe the chocolately moment you experience when you bite into these healthy chocolate truffles the first time. THEN we tell them we use avocado to make these rich tasting as well as full of those avocado-riffic nutrients, vitamins and of course, Omega 3s. While people love avocado and people love chocolate, but the idea of them together isn’t always loved. But one bite of these, you’ll change your mind. Too bad you won’t just eat one bite. 

Healthy Muffins 

There are plenty of muffin recipes out there that are super healthy; using alternative flours, vegetables, etc. Well, most the time we don’t have time for all that. We’re glad when there’s 15 minutes in the morning to even put breakfast together – much less a healthy one that your kids will eat. But for our healthy muffin recipe, just combine a bag of muffin mix (affiliate) along with one pouch of Gogo squeeZ (or approximately 1/2 cup of applesauce) along with 1/4 cup of milk. Cook as directed and serve. It’s that easy to add a 2/3 serving of fruit to the muffin without negotiating with your kids AND they’re super moist! 

Healthy Kool-Aid

Growing up I LOVED Kool-Aid. Heck, I still do. But now I know when you put a cup of sugar in anything it’s gonna be good, but all that sugar isn’t doing me any favors. And it’s really not doing your kids any favors either! So to make your own Kool-Aid with none of the “stuff” that’s not so good for kids. Using the magic formula of 4: steep 4 bags of herbal tea like this one in 4 cups of hot water.  After 15 minutes of steeping the bags, remove them and 4 cups of cold water. Last add 4 drops of Stevia  for just the sweet taste you need to remind you of your own fruit punch days. 

 

 

Don’t miss these comfort foods with a healthy (AND GLUTEN FREE) twist!