Doesn’t the idea of “healthy junk food” sound like a paradox? It’s like trying to find a middle ground between two opposites that really shouldn’t exist together. Junk food is typically loaded with calories, fats, and sugars—highly processed and offering little to no nutritional value. Sure, it’s tasty and convenient, but it’s also a major contributor to obesity, and heart disease, and may lead to a lot of other health issues.

Now, let’s talk about us—modern-day food lovers in India. With the surge in online food delivery services, many of us are chasing quick, affordable, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. But did you know that some foods are ‘healthy’ even when it's considered junk? Yes, you read that right. But what are these foods? Times Now got in touch with Safia Livingston, Dietician (MS RD) at MASSH (Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospital) who shares five healthy junk foods of 2024. Let’s check!

The List Of 5 ‘Healthy Junk’ Foods Of 2024 Includes:

Pizza – Thin Crust Or Sourdough, Veggie Loaded Pizza:

There is a rise in ‘plant-based’ orders and choosing different crusts. Thin crusts provide fewer calories, while not compromising taste. Sourdough crusts are gut-friendly, easier to digest and have a lower glycemic index. “Vegetable pizzas tend to have less cheese, lowering the amount of sodium and fat content in a slice. For those who love pepperoni, choosing jalapenos instead provides a spicy kick without the extra fat,” Safia explains.

Chocolate – Sweetened With Dates:

People love chocolate but don’t want added sugar. Companies continue adding creative alternatives that result in lower carbohydrate and sugar options. Sea Salt Dark Chocolate sweetened with Dates by The Whole Truth is one such option available on the market.

Chicken/Paneer/Soya Tikka Roll:

This high-protein, easy-to-eat option continues to be a go-to choice, as a meal, snack or on the go. Even though it is low in vegetables, the lightness of the rumali roti, and less oil used in the cooking process, allow it to rank well on the health front, Safia shares.

Frozen Yogurt And Sorbet:

Available even on food delivery apps, frozen yoghurt is a source of protein and calcium, while sorbets may include fresh fruit and are lower in calories, than its dairy counterparts. Though the sugar content remains similar between the options.

‘Baked and not fried’ has become popular for chip and snack alternatives. Instead of conventional potato chips, chickpea, popcorn and quinoa popped chips, as well as makhana, have all become more popular and more easily available.

5 ‘P’s to help you make better decisions when choosing junk food:

1. Portion size – limit the amount you eat in a sitting.

2. Pairing – what you eat with junk food. Pairing chips with fresh tomato salsa or a yogurt-based dip increases the nutritional value of the snack.

3. Placed earlier in the day – time of junk consumption makes a difference, earlier in the day, allows you to use the calories, instead of sleeping on it.

4. Periodic consumption – Junk food is to be discretionary, or infrequently consumed.

5. Party! – Enjoy it for special occasions, rather than on your own.

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