Want to live a healthier lifestyle without completely ditching candy, chips, and fast food?
Here are some simple tips to cut back – without feeling like you’re missing out.
Stick to five handfuls per week
Use your own hands as a guide. Five handfuls is a great rule of thumb to help you keep track of your intake of sweet and salty snacks.
Choose healthier alternatives
Instead of chocolate and chips, try unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, or vegetable sticks with dip. These options satisfy cravings while being much healthier.
Also read: 10 surprising health benefits of eating nuts every day
Avoid buying large quantities
If you have candy, chips, and soda at home, resisting temptation becomes much harder. Buy only small amounts at a time to prevent overeating.
Watch out for sugary drinks
Soda, juice, and energy drinks also count toward your five handfuls. Try reducing them and opt for water, tea, or sugar-free sparkling water instead.
Eat smaller portions
Craving cake or chocolate? Take a smaller portion and enjoy it, rather than eating a large amount all at once.
Make the right choices
When ordering fast food or takeout, choose meals with vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat or fish. If possible, skip deep-fried dishes.
Also read: Why you can’t resist snacks – science explains why
Plan your snacks
If you know you’ll want something sweet or salty during the day, plan ahead. Keep healthier options on hand to avoid falling into the junk food trap.
Beware of hidden sugar and fat
Many processed foods, breakfast cereals, and snack bars contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat. Always check the nutrition label before buying.
Keep kids’ portions smaller
Children have smaller hands, so their snack portions should be smaller too. For kids under four, it’s best to limit sugary and salty snacks as much as possible.
A little is okay
You don’t have to eliminate all snacks and sweets—just stick to the five-handful rule.
Also read: Ditch the meat: These 10 plant-based foods are packed with protein
This way, you can enjoy your favorite treats without compromising your health.
Article is based on information from Fødevarestyrelsen.
Also read: How to Maximize Your Protein Intake for Better Health