One of my favourite healthy lifestyle books is from James Duigan, the founder of the infamous Clean & Lean diet that Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Elle Macpherson and several other gorgeous leggy celebrities follow. In his book, he creates lists of 'Bad, Better and Best' foods to have, for example, when you're craving something 'unhealthy', here's your next best choice but here's the best possible choice you can have instead. I think this is a great thing to take a look at when you're new to your journey on healthy living. However, even if you're feeling pretty settled into your healthy lifestyle, sometimes those cravings for all things processed, sugary, high in mono-fats and so on, can get the better of us because we're still confused as to what really is the best thing to eat.
All the while I love James' cravings advice, there were a few alternatives that just seemed a bit unrealistic or just simply didn't sit right with me (Fancy a croissant? Have some raw vegetables instead!).
So I've ha d a good think about some of my own cravings and other common cravings others and yourself may have, to provide you with some exciting but realistic options for when you feel your cravings may get the better of you.
Bad
|
Better
|
Best
|
| Maltesers | Dark Chocolate | Cacao & Maca ‘Milkshake’ |
| McDonalds Cheeseburger | Posh’/GBK Burger | Homemade burger with a Carb-Free Lettuce ‘bun’ |
| Spaghetti Bolognese | Bolognese with Wholewheat Pasta | Homemade Ragu with Courgetti |
| Reeses Peanut Butter Cups | Homemade Peanut Butter Cups | Square of 85% Dark Chocolate topped with 100% Peanut Butter |
| GBK/The Diner/Byron etc Milkshake | Homemade Milkshake | Cacao + Peanut Butter ‘Shake’ |
| Gü Chocolate Mousse | Homemade Mousse | Cacao & Avocado ‘Mousse’ |
| Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream | Organic/Milk Free Ice Cream | Banana ‘Nice’ Cream |
| Chips/Fries | Homemade Chips/Sweet Potato Fries | Celeriac Fries |
| Mashed Potato | Sweet Potato Mash | Celeriac/Cauliflower Mash |
| Bagel | Homemade Sandwich | Butternut Squash, Avocado & Feta Salad |
| Tinned Soup | Supermarket Fresh Soup | Homemade Soup |
| Fudge/Sweets | Homemade Tablet | Salted Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fudge |
| Coco Pops/Cereal | Homemade Granola | Chocolate Raspberry Porridge |
| Toast and Orange Juice | Avocado Toast | Green Goddess Smoothie |
| Pizza | Homemade Pizza | Homemade Pizza with a Low Carb base e.g. Cauliflower Pizza |
| Coffee Shop Muffin | Homemade ‘Breakfast Muffins’ made with refined sugar | Flourless Banana and Chocolate Muffins |
These are definitely good compromises and are definitely realistic!
ReplyDeleteLittle Beauty Blog
Elizabeth x
I think ensuring the healthy alternatives are actually realistic is so important Elizabeth and it's often where I struggle to be completely sold by many health 'guru's' and writers as their recipes often require several unusual ingredients. Just keep it simple! xx
DeleteI love that these are actually reasonable swaps! Definitely checking out your recipes linked :)
ReplyDeleteErin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
Thanks Erin! The key to being healthy is just keep it simple and 'doable' for yourself. Let me know if you try out any recipes xx
DeleteThis is such a good post! x
ReplyDeletelotsofloveliz.blogspot.com
Thank you Liz, I'm glad you enjoyed it! xx
DeleteI really like this post and I really like the tips in it. Great job. Hope you could check out my latest post.
ReplyDeleteLEJA
This is a brilliant post! Great tips and a really healthy way to look at things I think :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this post, it is brilliant! I am probably right down the middle, but I got some great ideas for healthier options :)
ReplyDeleteRachelShuchatMakeup