These days, there are so many eye-catching labels at the grocery store on foods claiming to be a healthier alternative to your favorite foods. Tune in to learn how to determine if they truly are a better option for you and if their taste rivals the original! 

On the episode this week, Jenn is talking about “healthier food swaps”. She covers different lunch/dinner, breakfast, snack, and dessert options with her past client offering the taste test verdict! Jenn walks us through the nutrition facts and ingredients to determine if each item is truly a nutritious swap or if it’s better to just eat the real thing. Then, she provides examples of how to make things work for you and your needs. Tune in to learn more! 

The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let’s dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [6:10] Are the Mission Zero Net Carb Tortillas a healthy option?
• [9:24] What is a good pasta alternative? 
• [10:58] Jenn shares her thoughts on the line of products Nestle is coming out with for those taking Ozempic and similar meds?
• [13:54] Is the Legendary Foods Protein Pastry a good alternative to Pop Tarts?
• [16:36] Are protein bagels a good option for breakfast?
• [18:40] What about Catalina Crunch? 
• [19:44] Are Flock Chicken Chips a good snack choice?
• [20:43] What are some good chip/cracker alternatives?
• [28:05] What are some good dessert options?
• [35:31] Are there good candy options on the market?
• [37:57] What are healthy ice cream/shake type options?
• [47:17] Jenn shares her final thoughts around how to utilize “healthy” swaps.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• There are pros and cons to choosing the “healthier” food swaps. Eating only processed foods, even if they have “better” nutrition facts, won’t create balance in the long run. Make informed decisions for your needs and health. 
• Always make sure you look at the nutrition facts and ingredients to determine if you actually just want to eat the real thing. Make the best choice for you given the information that is provided.
• Just because it’s marketed as “healthier” doesn’t mean it truly is. Do your research. 

QUOTES: 

• “As we know, when they [food manufacturers] take something out, they add other things in to keep it tasting the way we want it to, so I'm cautious...it's about what they do put in there vs. what they take out." - Jenn Trepeck
• "Ultra processed foods are how we got to this point, among other things but it's a huge contributing factor, and so I hesitate to think that the same companies who got us here are the ones who see so clearly what the solution is." – Jenn Trepeck
• "Everything has its place in the bigger picture of things we're eating. You're still focusing on the protein and the vegetables and then the wrap becomes this side that helps complete the meal, the condiment that helps fill things out." - Jenn Trepeck
• “It’s pros and cons. It’s choosing between different ingredients and where you want to spend them and what your priorities are to decide if that works for you.” - Jenn Trepeck
• "There is a distinction between healthier and health supporting. I almost think a better word is less detrimental." - Jenn Trepeck
• “So I just say to everybody, proceed with caution. Pick your battles. Read the labels and decide what works for you.” - Jenn Trepeck
• “The piece to remember for everybody is that this is a progression in the changing of our habits and adjusting our diets. A lot of these options are incredible tools in that process.” - Jenn Trepeck

RESOURCES:

Catalina Crunch Nutrition Nugget

Wonder Monday Cheesecakes Nugget

Become A Member of Salad with a Side of Fries

Jenn’s Free Menu Plan

A Salad With a Side of Fries

A Salad With A Side Of Fries Merch

A Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram