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Healthier alternatives to fast food

Fast food often tempts us with its convenience and taste, but we all know that it is not always the best choice for our health. Fortunately, a healthier lifestyle does not mean giving up fast food completely. With a little creativity and some simple recipes, we can make healthy alternatives at home that are just as tasty, if not tastier, than what we can find at the drive-thru. Let’s explore some delicious healthier alternatives you can try to satisfy your cravings for fast food without the guilt afterwards!

Quinoa and black bean burgers


Ingredients
  • Boiled quinoa
  • Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Garlic, finely chopped
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Cumin powder
  • Paprika powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Whole wheat buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion rings and other toppings of your choice

Instructions
  1. Mash the black beans in a bowl until coarsely mashed.
  2. Add the cooked quinoa, chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin powder, paprika, salt and pepper to the black beans and mix well.
  3. Shape the mixture into burgers of desired size.
  4. Fry the burgers in a pan with some oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and firm to the touch.
  5. Serve the quinoa and black bean burgers on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, onion rings and other toppings of your choice.

Grilled chicken wraps with avocado and vegetables


Ingredients
  • Grilled chicken breast (seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder)
  • Whole wheat wraps
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Tomato, sliced
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Greek yogurt (optional, as a substitute for sour cream)
  • Salsa (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
  1. Grill the chicken breast until cooked through, then cut into strips.
  2. Heat the whole wheat wraps briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
  3. Place some romaine lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, red onion and grilled chicken on each wrap.
  4. Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a spoonful of salsa if you like.
  5. Roll up the wraps tightly and serve with a wedge of lime for an extra fresh touch.

Quesadillas with grilled vegetables


Ingredients
  • Whole wheat tortilla wraps
  • Mixed grilled vegetables (e.g. bell bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, onion)
  • Skimmed grated cheese
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt (optional, as a dip)

Instructions
  1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Place a tortilla wrap in the pan and spread a layer of grated cheese over half of the wrap.
  3. Place a mix of grilled vegetables on top and fold the tortilla in half.
  4. Fry the quesadilla on both sides until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
  5. Repeat with the remaining wraps and vegetables.
  6. Serve the quesadillas with slices of avocado and chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with low-fat Greek yogurt as a dip.

Sweet potato fries


Ingredients
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Paprika powder (optional)
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Cumin (optional)

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into fries.
  3. Place the fries on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle with salt and any other spices to taste, such as paprika, garlic powder or cumin.
  5. Bake the fries in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Roasted cauliflower “Buffalo wings”


Ingredients
  • Cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • Whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Buffalo sauce (use a low-sugar version for a healthier option)
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt (optional, as a dip)

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
  2. Mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Dip the cauliflower florets in water and then roll them through the breadcrumb mixture so that they are evenly coated.
  4. Place the breaded cauliflower florets on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and then mix with Buffalo sauce.
  6. Serve the roasted cauliflower “Buffalo wings” with low-fat Greek yogurt as a dip.

These healthier alternatives to fast food are not only tasty and satisfying, but they are also nutritious and easy to prepare. Enjoy a tasty meal without the guilt!