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
- Mash the black beans in a bowl until coarsely mashed.
- Add the cooked quinoa, chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin powder, paprika, salt and pepper to the black beans and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into burgers of desired size.
- Fry the burgers in a pan with some oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and firm to the touch.
- 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
- Grill the chicken breast until cooked through, then cut into strips.
- Heat the whole wheat wraps briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
- Place some romaine lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, red onion and grilled chicken on each wrap.
- Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a spoonful of salsa if you like.
- 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
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place a tortilla wrap in the pan and spread a layer of grated cheese over half of the wrap.
- Place a mix of grilled vegetables on top and fold the tortilla in half.
- Fry the quesadilla on both sides until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining wraps and vegetables.
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 220°C.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into fries.
- Place the fries on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and any other spices to taste, such as paprika, garlic powder or cumin.
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- Mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip the cauliflower florets in water and then roll them through the breadcrumb mixture so that they are evenly coated.
- Place the breaded cauliflower florets on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and then mix with Buffalo sauce.
- 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!