7 Ways to Make Lower-Calorie Versions of Fast Food Treats ...

By Alison

Everybody loves to treat themselves to fast food every once in a while. But given that fast food tends to be high in calories and fats, it's not exactly healthy. An occasional unhealthy meal won't do you any harm. But if you want to eat fast-food style without eating unhealthily, you could try making healthier, lower-calorie versions of the fast food treats you love …

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1. Fries

Fries Given their name, we know that fries are very high in calories. Frying anything means that it absorbs a lot of fat. Try baking potato wedges in the oven instead. They'll only need a little oil, although you should baste the wedges several times so that they cook evenly. You could also slice the potatoes thinly and put them under the grill; the close heat source means that they'll crisp nicely.

  • Honestly, they might even taste better because you can customize them! Plus, knowing they're healthier makes them even more delicious in my book.

  • I love swapping out deep-frying with baking or air frying. Another cool trick is using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. And don't forget the power of spices to boost flavor without extra calories!

  • Definitely! Things like burgers, pizza, and fries are surprisingly easy to tweak. With the right ingredients, you can keep all the flavor but cut tons of calories.

  • Oh, absolutely! With a few tweaks, you can totally enjoy your favorite treats without the guilt. Trust me, it can be pretty satisfying to whip up your own version.

  • When you’re sick, a homemade, healthier version of your go-to comfort food can do wonders. Try a lighter soup or a baked chicken nugget. It's comforting and way better for you.

2. Burgers

Burgers Burgers also bump the calorie count up rather too much, especially if you add cheese. Make your own burgers using minced turkey, which is leaner than red meat, and grill them. Vegetarian burgers are also low in calories, and there are so many different recipes; try using mushrooms for a 'meaty' texture and flavor.

  • Honestly, they might even taste better because you can customize them! Plus, knowing they're healthier makes them even more delicious in my book.

  • I love swapping out deep-frying with baking or air frying. Another cool trick is using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. And don't forget the power of spices to boost flavor without extra calories!

  • Definitely! Things like burgers, pizza, and fries are surprisingly easy to tweak. With the right ingredients, you can keep all the flavor but cut tons of calories.

  • Oh, absolutely! With a few tweaks, you can totally enjoy your favorite treats without the guilt. Trust me, it can be pretty satisfying to whip up your own version.

  • When you’re sick, a homemade, healthier version of your go-to comfort food can do wonders. Try a lighter soup or a baked chicken nugget. It's comforting and way better for you.

3. Pizza

Pizza If you often order a pizza when you're hungry and don't want to cook, make a batch of lower-calorie pizza and freeze. Roll the base out as thinly as possible, and cover with tomato purée and vegetables or chicken. Leave off higher-calorie items like pepperoni and cheese, and serve your pizza with a large salad so that you eat less of the pizza.

  • Honestly, they might even taste better because you can customize them! Plus, knowing they're healthier makes them even more delicious in my book.

  • I love swapping out deep-frying with baking or air frying. Another cool trick is using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. And don't forget the power of spices to boost flavor without extra calories!

  • Definitely! Things like burgers, pizza, and fries are surprisingly easy to tweak. With the right ingredients, you can keep all the flavor but cut tons of calories.

  • Oh, absolutely! With a few tweaks, you can totally enjoy your favorite treats without the guilt. Trust me, it can be pretty satisfying to whip up your own version.

  • When you’re sick, a homemade, healthier version of your go-to comfort food can do wonders. Try a lighter soup or a baked chicken nugget. It's comforting and way better for you.

4. Chinese Food

Chinese Food Chinese food is delicious, but ordering takeout can mean a hefty intake of calories. But you can make a tasty, lower-calorie version at home. Make a stir fry in a wok, which is designed to use very little oil, and serve it with plain rice rather than egg-fried rice. You can also make steamed dumplings and a light soup.

  • Honestly, they might even taste better because you can customize them! Plus, knowing they're healthier makes them even more delicious in my book.

  • I love swapping out deep-frying with baking or air frying. Another cool trick is using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. And don't forget the power of spices to boost flavor without extra calories!

  • Definitely! Things like burgers, pizza, and fries are surprisingly easy to tweak. With the right ingredients, you can keep all the flavor but cut tons of calories.

  • Oh, absolutely! With a few tweaks, you can totally enjoy your favorite treats without the guilt. Trust me, it can be pretty satisfying to whip up your own version.

  • When you’re sick, a homemade, healthier version of your go-to comfort food can do wonders. Try a lighter soup or a baked chicken nugget. It's comforting and way better for you.

As part of taking control over your health and wellbeing, it's important to pay attention to the amount of sugar you consume daily. Did you ever wonder how many grams of sugar are in a teaspoon? Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid those sneaky sugars that add up throughout the day. No doubt, your body will thank you!

5. Curries

Curries Curry on its own can be high in calories - and that's without the poppadoms and bhajis we often eat with it. Cut the calories at home by choosing dishes like chicken tikka, which is grilled, and lower-calorie curries such as vegetable or chicken (do use minimal oil). Accompany your meal with a cucumber raita made with low-fat yogurt.

  • Honestly, they might even taste better because you can customize them! Plus, knowing they're healthier makes them even more delicious in my book.

  • I love swapping out deep-frying with baking or air frying. Another cool trick is using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. And don't forget the power of spices to boost flavor without extra calories!

  • Definitely! Things like burgers, pizza, and fries are surprisingly easy to tweak. With the right ingredients, you can keep all the flavor but cut tons of calories.

  • Oh, absolutely! With a few tweaks, you can totally enjoy your favorite treats without the guilt. Trust me, it can be pretty satisfying to whip up your own version.

  • When you’re sick, a homemade, healthier version of your go-to comfort food can do wonders. Try a lighter soup or a baked chicken nugget. It's comforting and way better for you.

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6. Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken It may be tasty, but southern fried chicken is very high in fat and cholesterol. Happily it's simple to make a healthier version at home. Start by removing the skin from the chicken, and you've already cut quite a few calories. Then bake the chicken in the oven, spraying it with a cooking spray. Serve with steamed vegetables for a light accompaniment.

  • Honestly, they might even taste better because you can customize them! Plus, knowing they're healthier makes them even more delicious in my book.

  • I love swapping out deep-frying with baking or air frying. Another cool trick is using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. And don't forget the power of spices to boost flavor without extra calories!

  • Definitely! Things like burgers, pizza, and fries are surprisingly easy to tweak. With the right ingredients, you can keep all the flavor but cut tons of calories.

  • Oh, absolutely! With a few tweaks, you can totally enjoy your favorite treats without the guilt. Trust me, it can be pretty satisfying to whip up your own version.

  • When you’re sick, a homemade, healthier version of your go-to comfort food can do wonders. Try a lighter soup or a baked chicken nugget. It's comforting and way better for you.

7. Muffins

Muffins Do you often grab a muffin for breakfast or as a snack? Delicious as they are, they also tend to be high in calories. Make your own lower-calorie versions instead. Look for recipes with buttermilk, which means less butter is needed. Fruit, nuts and whole wheat flour add bulk without adding too many calories.

We all love fast food, and there are time when it's convenient or we just crave a takeout. By tweaking recipes and using different ways of cooking, you can still eat fast food but without the hefty calories usually involved. What is your favorite fast food treat?

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