My Favorite Food Alternatives...from Mac n Cheese to Donuts

If you've eaten lunch with me recently, you might know that I pack what looks like an 8 year old's meal. It's complete with chicken nuggets, mac 'n cheese, and a side of veggies that I reluctantly force upon myself. However, what people don't realize, is that this is no ordinary junk food meal that I fill my body with everyday; this is a carefully researched and specifically chosen meal that perfectly fits in my macro and calorie intake for the day that is based on my individual health and fitness goals as well as my tastebuds and my lifestyle. A few things factor in to how I got to these numbers including the fact that I don't usually like to cook much, I live alone which means food can go bad very quickly, and I am kind of picky about the foods I'll choose to eat and enjoy. I also really don't mind eating the same thing pretty much everyday. When you combine all these factors, it can be difficult to eat the boring grilled chicken, plain rice, and veggies that you see so many fitness influencers prepping for their meals. So I decided to screw the system, and find what works for me. Ever since I did, it has been so much easier to stick to these foods and more importantly, not have to restrict myself because I actually enjoy these foods, they make me feel good, and I rarely ever crave anything else. In hopes of helping someone else who might also be looking to eat healthier but still have treats and enjoy the taste of their food, I have put together my holy grail list. For whatever you're craving, this list will get you satisfied with much less consequence (not to say you can't still eat your favorite classics of course but when you want to stick to your plan but still need something salty or sweet, this is the way to go). Enjoy!

Higher Protein/Lower Carb/Calorie Brands-

Zevia Soda - no calories or sugar...naturally sweetened

Quest - protein focused

Chips

Pizza

Cookies

PB Cups

Smart Sweets Gummy Candy - 3g of sugar per bag of gummies, low calorie

Halo Top Ice Cream - around 300 calories for the entire pint...lots of different flavors to choose from

Magic Spoon Cereal - low carb, higher protein

Doughbar Donuts, Pastries - high protein and SO delicious

Kingline Nutrition Cookie Dough - high protein, plant based, low sugar raw cookie dough...safe to eat and one of my biggest cravings at one point

Lil Buff - high protein and gluten free with additional vegan options

Cake

Frosting

Flavored Butters

Catalina Crunch Cookies - high protein, low carb sandwich cookies for your Oreo cravings...several flavors to choose from

Kodiak - high protein, low carb for the perfect breakfast choices

Waffles

Oats

Syrup

Muffins, Pancakes, Cornbread and more!

Banza - made of chickpeas so its high protein and low carb

Mac n Cheese

Pasta

Rice

PB2 Powder - low fat, high protein...just mix with any liquid to make peanut butter

Chocolate Hummus - low calorie substitute for Nutella and it tastes like chocolate pudding but its made of chickpeas

Oikos Triple Zero or Pro - greek yogurt that isn't tart, is low fat, high protein, and no sugar

If you know of any amazing alternatives that you swear by, I'd love to know so I can try them out and add them to my list. These foods have truly changed my life and I hope they can do the same for some of you if you are looking for that help. Some of these items can only be purchased online but most of these are at target. That's where I buy all my groceries and it has been so convenient ever since I switched. Good luck and happy eating!

Thanks for reading and I hope I made your day!

-Gabriella