Bad: Crisps
For many, a packet of crisps is a staple snack at lunchtime. However, we all know they’re not healthy. As well as being high in calories and unsaturated fat, the frying process produces a possibly cancer-causing chemical known as acrylamide.
Good: Baked kale crisps
If it’s something satisfyingly crispy and salty you’re after, take 30 minutes out of your evening to bake some kale crisps. Kale is known as a super-food because it is rich in nutrients including fibre, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin K. Take a handful of kale, season with salt and paprika, dip in extra virgin olive oil and cook them in the oven for 25 minutes. The result will be a healthy, moreish and satisfying snack that you can even bag up and take to work the next day.
Bad: Fish ‘n’ chips
Let’s face it – potatoes deep fried in fat teamed with fish coated in batter and deep fried in fat was never going to be a particularly nutritional dish. Add to that the creamy tartar sauce and sugary ketchup we’re all partial to, and you’ll probably be exceeding your daily fat, salt and sugar allowance in one sitting.
Good: Breaded salmon and salad
It’s unlikely that we’re ever going to find a perfect alternative to Britain’s favourite dish, but fresh salmon coated in peppery bread crumbs and grilled until crisp is a close match. Salmon is full of omega 3 and calcium – fantastic for healthy hair, skin, heart and head – not to mention it tastes delicious. Nutritionists recommend you eat at least two portions of oily fish a week.
Bad: Milk chocolate
No one wants to hear this, but chocolate contains around 542 calories per 100g, and if eaten regularly, can contribute to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In moderation, eating chocolate is fine. But how are we supposed to eat anything in moderation when it tastes so good?!
Good: Dates, nuts and dark chocolate
When you feel that chocolate craving creeping up on you, try this: eat one big, juicy, fresh date, a couple of brazil nuts and one square of dark chocolate. Dates are incredibly sweet, brazil nuts are satisfyingly rich and dark chocolate will give you that much-needed cocoa hit without the huge amount of sugar found in milk chocolate.
To find out how a nutritionist could help you lead a healthier, happier lifestyle without sacrificing the foods you love, go ahead and visit our Nutrition Topics page.
