Better-For-You Foods You're Probably Not Eating (But Should Be)!

Hungry-Girl

Never heard of these foods? Scared to try 'em? Don't be -- they're GREAT! Get the lowdown on these no-guilt finds, courtesy of Hungry Girl...


Lavash Bread

If you're unfamiliar with this stuff, you're not alone. Lavash is a soft, thin Middle Eastern flatbread typically found in the bakery section or ethnic foods aisle of the supermarket. When cut into squares and baked in a 425-degree oven for a few minutes, it becomes an amazing chip swap. Our favorite thing to dip the chips in? Salsa mixed with fat-free plain Greek yogurt... creamy with a kick! Just remember to check the stats. The large ones should have about 100 calories, and the super-large ones should have about 200 calories. A serving is typically half of one, so read those nutrition labels carefully.

More from Hungry Girl: Crispy Lavash Squares with HG Hot Couple Dip!


Soyrizo

Chorizo, the spicy Spanish/Mexican sausage, is loaded with fat and calories -- about 250 calories and 20 grams of fat per 2-oz. serving. Ouch! That's why we turn to soy chorizo, which can be found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. You don't have to be vegetarian to enjoy this meat-free find -- it's packed with flavor! A 2-oz. serving has about 90 calories and 4 grams of fat. Get creative with it, or just toss some into your morning scramble. Yum!



House Foods Tofu Shirataki Noodle Substitute

Once you discover these magical things, noodles will never be off limits again! That's because each serving (half a bag; 4 ounces) has just 20 calories. They come in four shapes: fettuccine, angel hair, spaghetti, and macaroni. Although they do require a bit of prep work, they come precooked (unlike normal dry pasta) which saves time. Find 'em in the refrigerated section where you find tofu and other Asian items. Life. Changing.


More from Hungry Girl: A fatty-pasta-dish swap made with these noodles!


Lisanatti Foods The Original Almond Cheese Alternative

Fat-free and super-low-fat cheeses aren't always a fan favorite when it comes to plain snacking. But this 97% fat-free alterna-cheese rocks our socks! Just 50 calories and 1 gram of fat per 1-oz. serving. Choose from blocks of Cheddar, Mozzarella, Jalapeno Jack, and Garlic & Herb styles. Definitely worth rushing to the nearest natural foods store for these!



Kabocha Squash

Butternut squash was the first potato swap we discovered (and we'll always have a special place in our hearts for it), but kabocha squash is the new BFF swap in the HG kitchen. It takes less prep work than b-nut squash because you don't have to peel the thin skin. And a 3-oz. serving (about 3/4 cup of cubes) has just 30 calories and no fat. Sweet, starchy, and totally potato-like! Find it at select grocery stores and Asian markets.


More from Hungry Girl: A whole bunch of French-fry swaps!


Freeze-Dried Fruit

We're not talking about dried fruit (those chewy, dense, sugary pieces). We're talking freeze-dried fruit, as in light 'n crispy little bites of fruit that have been zapped of all their moisture. A 1/4-cup serving contains about 25 calories -- a total calorie bargain! Add to oatmeal, snack mixes, ice cream... or just eat it straight! Our favorite brand is Funky Monkey -- so many awesome flavors! But you can find other great options in the baby foods aisle.


Athens Mini Fillo Shells

Fillo shells aren't typically thought of as "guilt-free" food, but they're really low in calories (about 15 calories each), and they're the perfect vehicle for mini bites of whatever it is you're craving. From dessert recipes to savory appetizers, just keep the filling guilt-free and you're good to go. Happy crunching!

More from Hungry Girl: Pecan pie in fillo shells!


Better'n Peanut Butter

We're obsessed with peanut butter, but it's a bit high in fat and calories, and it can be difficult to stick to a 2-tbsp. serving. Even the reduced-fat kind has 190 calories and 12 grams of fat per serving. That's why we love this PB-like spread -- just 100 calories and 2 grams of fat for the same amount. We're not gonna lie (like the label) -- it's not actually BETTER than peanut butter. But it's pretty darn great. The texture is a bit thicker, and the taste is more like a mix of peanut butter and jelly. It's really tasty and works great in dessert recipes.



Vitalicious VitaTops

Everyone knows the best part of a muffin is the top. So there's no reason to take in all the extra calories from a giant store-bought muffin. Some of those can clock in with more than 600 calories! Stick with these 100-calorie treats and you'll get exactly what you're craving plus a good amount of added fiber (super-filling)! Some of the flavors can be found in stores, but for the best variety and all the super-fun flavors, order online!

More from Hungry Girl: A new dessert recipe made with a VitaTop!


CHECK OUT THE LATEST BOOK FROM HG...

HUNGRY GIRL SUPERMARKET SURVIVAL: AISLE BY AISLE, HG-STYLE!

It's the go-to guide for guilt-free grocery shopping! From product picks, ingredient lists, tips & tricks, and MORE... CLICK NOW TO PRE-ORDER!

Don't miss season 2 of Hungry Girl, airing Sundays at 10am/9c on Food Network!

And for a daily dose of guilt-free tips, tricks, food finds, recipes and more, visit hungry-girl.com and sign up for free daily emails!