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.
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!
I’ve got a big sweet tooth & my husband has a salt tooth (not sure if that’s a real phrase, but I’m going with it). We both need healthier versions of our favorite junk food. Can’t wait to try these.
Thanks for sharing these healthy versions of junk food favorites! This is a great way to enjoy those snacks and treats guilt-free!
These are all absolutely awesome ideas. I’m a junk food addict so if I can find ways to eat it healthier I would totally do that.
Those are some delicious ideas! I love cheese crackers!
Omg, these look amazing. I have to try those truffles and gummies first. I love having a healthier alternative to the original junk foods.
Love the healthy version of these recipes!! I think the Truffles would be my favorite to try out!!
What awesome snack substitution ideas! Part of my weight loss success was learning to lighten up my favorite recipes so I never had to sneak or cheat.
I totally need these in my life. What a great list. Especially those truffles and chicken fingers and HEALTHY? I’m in.
Guilt free junk food? YES please.
I could eat ALL of these up! I especially like the truffles! Thanks for the great alternatives for junk food!
These are awesome, I love that you can feel is if you are splurging into a not so good for you snack but really? They are good for you! Thanks for these options.
Junk foods are bad for health but taste good, too bad lol
Thanks for sharing
Excellent post.
Junk foods are the best. They taste a whole lot better than the usual ones. Thanks for sharing my favorite food.
Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe. I love junk food. Especially fried chicken.