Healthy Fast Food Recipes- When it comes to fast food, the word ‘healthy' shies away. Fast food is quick, convenient and definitely delicious. But it is also loaded with calories, unwanted fat, hidden sugar and excess salt. Even on days when you do resolve to have a healthy meal, you might be tempted by a cheesy burger or a loaded taco.It's alright to indulge every once in a while, but if it becomes an everyday affair you need a serious change in your diet plan in order to stay healthy and fit. No, we're not asking you to give up on your favourites but a healthy makeover doesn't hurt. It's easy – you only need to remember two things. First, cut down the fat and salt. Second, go for ingredients that have the good stuff like fiber from whole grains, protein from nuts and seeds, cottage cheese and lean meats. You should also choose cooking techniques like baking, boiling or grilling over frying and breading.Skip the idea of serving fast and eating fast. Your brain takes about 20 minutes to receive satiety signals that the stomach is full. The concept of eating at fast food joints where meals are served in a matter of minutes and polished off in a flash thus promotes overeating. Since you eat fat, you tend to order more even when you are already full. This is why health experts will always advice you to sit at a table to eat, turn off any distractions, take your time to chew, taste and enjoy every bite. Such meals are more satisfying, prevent cravings and leave you feeling full for longer.
Why head to a restaurant when you get the same taste and better nutrition at home? There is nothing like your favourite meal made and enjoyed in the comfort of your home.
Give fast food a healthy spin with our 11 best recipes here:
1. Tofu Burger with Tahini
Who said burgers couldn't be healthy? Swap the patty for one made with tofu, chickpeas, roasted nuts and vegetables, lather some sesame seed paste and slice it between whole wheat buns.
2. Baked Mushroom and Lentil Fritters
Bake a wholesome batch fritters made with masoor dal and mushrooms to snack on and fight those unhealthy mid-meal cravings.
3. Multigrain Pizza
A healthy whole wheat crust which is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Top it off with homemade pasta sauce, mushrooms, cheese and olives.
4. Jowar Tacos with Spicy Chicken Filling
A great way to make healthy and light tacos, swap refined flour with jowar flour. Fill it up with a mix of sauteed chicken and crisp vegetables to keep the calorie count low.
5. Ragi Pancakes with Sausage Filling and Yogurt Dip
An exciting way to use ragi flour - make these healthy pancakes. Stuff it with some delicious sausages and serve with a refreshing yogurt dip.
6. Polenta Chilli Fries
Who doesn't love crisp, crunchy fries? Swap potatoes for polenta which is nothing but finely ground yellow or white maize (cornmeal) flour. You could choose to bake them instead of frying. If you'e a big potato lover, you even try these Baked Potato Wedges.
7. Guilt Free BBQ Chicken
Ditch the store-bought sauces, here's an easy way to make the BBQ sauce at home. Marinate the chicken in this sauce overnight and grill till golden.
8. Bran Whole Wheat Muffins
Hands in the air for those who'd like healthy muffins. These sweet darlings are made wheat bran, milk and apple sauce to replace fat.
9. Steamed Chinese Cabbage Parcels
Got hit by sudden hunger? Don't reach out for a fried snack, these steamed parcels with a chicken filling wrapped around cabbage are as satisfying.
10. Tofu and Cashew Mayonnaise
You will never look at mayonnaise on a supermarket aisle, if you make this healthy version with tofu and cashews at home! Promise.
11. Quinoa and Sesame Crackers with Orange Hummus
A healthy snack, packed with the goodness of quinoa and sesame, these crackers are finger food that you can easily prepare at home, serve with a delectable hummus made with orange, chickpeas and spices.
