When you think about dieting and
weight loss, what are the first things that come to mind? We’re going to go out on a limb and say that images of pizza, candy and ice cream aren’t flashing through your head. If you want the scale to tip in your favor, you’ve got to stay disciplined—that means no sweet treats or indulgent goodies, right? Wrong! Although junk food should be consumed in moderation, it can also have a healthy place in any diet—if done right. In fact, indulging from time to time may actually help you shed those pesky pounds.
“For some people, eating their favorite ‘junk foods’ on occasion can help them reach and maintain their weight loss goals because it keeps them from feeling deprived or held back by a set of nutritional do’s and don’ts,” says Cassie Bjork, RD, LD of
Healthy Simple Life. “If indulging here and there keeps you balanced and happy, and doesn’t push you into a cycle of craving and addiction, then there’s no reason not to. Just be aware that going overboard means it may take a bit longer to hit your goal.”
Ready to give in to your craving? Check out our top junk food picks for weight loss below. Losing weight has never tasted so good!
EAT THIS!
Kellogg’s Froot Loops, 1 cup
| CALORIES | 110 |
| FAT | 1 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 0.5 G |
| SODIUM | 150 MG |
| CARBS | 25 G |
| FIBER | 3 G |
| SUGAR | 10 G |
Froot Loops aren’t exactly a health food, but they actually have a similar fiber-to-sugar ratio as some “healthy” cereals, and far fewer calories.
EAT THIS!
Lay’s Oven Baked Original Potato Crisps, 18 chips
| CALORIES | 120 |
| FAT | 2 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 0 G |
| SODIUM | 135 MG |
| CARBS | 23 G |
| FIBER | 2 G |
| SUGAR | 2 G |
Baked chips don’t rely on oil to crisp up, which means they can get by with far less fat. Eat a one-ounce bag a week? Choose Lay’s Baked! instead of Ruffles Reduced Fat, and you’ll shed more than 2 pounds this year.
EAT THIS!
Desert Pepper Black Bean Dip Spicy, 2 Tbsp
| CALORIES | 25 |
| FAT | 0 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 0 G |
| SODIUM | 240 MG |
| CARBS | 5 G |
| FIBER | 2 G |
| SUGAR | 1 G |
Skip the chemical-laden gunk you typically dip your chips into and crack open a bottle of Desert Pepper. This jar contains a trio of nutritional A-listers: black beans, tomatoes and green bell peppers, and has a delicious taste, too.
EAT THIS!
Newman’s Own Newman-O’s Chocolate Crème Filled Chocolate, 2 cookies
| CALORIES | 130 |
| FAT | 5 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 2 G |
| SODIUM | 110 MG |
| CARBS | 20 G |
| FIBER | LESS THAN 1 G |
| SUGAR | 11 G |
Whoever said cookies couldn’t be part of a weight loss plan was seriously mistaken. Compared to Oreo, Newman takes a moderate approach to oil and sugar—so go ahead, have your cake and eat it, too. Just make sure to avoid regular Oreos, they top our list of the
8 Most Addictive Foods in the World.
EAT THIS!
Mars Pretzel M&M’s, 1 bag (32 g)
| CALORIES | 150 |
| FAT | 4.5 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 3 G |
| SODIUM | 120 MG |
| CARBS | 24 G |
| FIBER | 1 G |
| SUGAR | 17 G |
This clever spin on M&M’s replaces the original milk chocolate core with a pretzel, which is low in calories by confectionary standards. As a result, you trade in a boatload of sugar for a satisfying cookie-like crunch.
EAT THIS!
Wrigley Life Savers Gummies, 10 pieces
| CALORIES | 130 |
| FAT | 0 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 0 G |
| SODIUM | 5 MG |
| CARBS | 30 G |
| FIBER | 0 G |
| SUGAR | 25 G |
Addicted to gummies and fruity candy chews? Skip the other picks on the shelf and opt for Life Savers Gummies. These sugar-filled chews aren’t a “health” food by any means, but they are free of the added oils found in some alternatives.
EAT THIS!
Ore-Ida Bagel Bites Cheese & Pepperoni, 4 pieces
| CALORIES | 200 |
| FAT | 6 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 2.5 G |
| SODIUM | 240 MG |
| CARBS | 28 G |
| FIBER | 2 G |
| SUGAR | 3 G |
With just 50 calories in each mini-bagel, it’s never been easier to nip a pizza craving in the bud—without downing a ton of calories.
EAT THIS!
Ore-Ida Steak Fries, 7 fries
| CALORIES | 110 |
| FAT | 3 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 0.5 G |
| SODIUM | 290 MG |
| CARBS | 19 G |
| FIBER | 2 G |
| SUGAR | 1 G |
A serving of these crispy spuds contains fewer than half the calories you’d find in the average medium order of fast-food fries. Prefer to have your fries from the drive thru? Use our indispensable guide to
7 Fast-Food Meals Under 350 Calories.
EAT THIS!
Breyers Natural Vanilla, 1/2 cup
| CALORIES | 130 |
| FAT | 7 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 4 G |
| SODIUM | 35 MG |
| CARBS | 14 G |
| FIBER | 0 G |
| SUGAR | 14 G |
Got a hankering for something cold and sweet? Sit down with a bowl of Breyers. It has fewer calories and less sugar than its competitors.
EAT THIS!
Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Chocolate Fudge Bar, 1 bar
| CALORIES | 100 |
| FAT | 0 G |
| SATURATED FAT | 0 G |
| SODIUM | 60 MG |
| CARBS | 17 G |
| FIBER | 1 G |
| SUGAR | 13 G |
A classy upgrade to the standard Fudgsicle, this frozen treat delivers seven grams of belly-filling protein.
No comments