Top 7 Healthy Junk Foods

Let me first say that I approach my Hubpages username (Healthy Fat Guy) with a bit of levity. I'm really not all that overweight. I don't condone being overweight or eating lots of junk food. Part of my point is that you don't have to be perfect to be healthy. I also just thought it was a funny sounding user name. It kind of popped into my head while I was watching a story about the New York Times bestseller, "Skinny Bitch." Yes I know, many women might find that offensive, but it really gets your attention doesn't it?

These foods I'm about to list have sort of a Jeckyl and Hyde persona. They are not really health foods, but they either have some benefits, or may just be healthier alternative in an unhealthy world. Just remember, moderation is the key.

Just a real quick description of pork rinds...Deep Fried Pork Skin! While not exactly a health food, consider this...

A 1 ounce serving of pork rinds contains almost no carbohydrates. But it does contain 17 grams of protein. 9 grams of fat is less than you will find in a starchy bag of potato chips. And since protein is known to be more filling, these may be an option for your salty, deep fried fix.

Most pancake and waffle syrup purchased at the store is not real maple syrup. It is a concoction of high fructose corn syrup; mixed with some colorings and flavorings. High fructose corn syrup appears to be the worst kind of carbohydrate for blood sugar spikes. It also raises leptin levels; which is a hunger hormone.

Depending on what brand you buy, the number of artificial ingredients will vary. There are artificially sweetened versions, but those may also have health risks.

Natural maple syrup contains many trace minerals such as zinc and manganese. It also contains many other unique antioxidants. The research on these has just scratched the surface.

Real maple syrup also contains very little fructose, with sucrose as it's main carbohydrate source. And it's not just for pancakes, maple syrup can be substituted for white sugar or corn syrup in many recipes. Honey is also a great alternative.

There are probably some Hubbers that think I'm crazy with this one. Chicken wings...Deep fried chicken wings?

Chicken wings are a must for any football game. And they are relatively high in calories. But they are also high in protein and have 0 carbs, so they fill you up, and don't spike your blood sugar.

The data I was able to find lists the calorie count at between 65 and 100 calories per wing. so 6 wings might be 600 calories. This is not a huge amount if you don't add any other snacks on top of it.

They are relatively high in fat, but have less fat than many other starchy or breaded concoctions. When you deep fry meat, it doesn't absorb that much fat. Some fat is probably even cooked out of the skin. Compare the crispy nature of fried chicken wings to the fatty skin that is present on baked wings.

Deep fried potatoes, as well as other starchy breaded treats soak up cooking oil like a sponge. So many will have more fat, and a shot of insulin boosting carbs to boot.

Just be sure not to add too many calorie laden condiments to your wings. Hot sauce is best. Barbeque sauce can have a lot of sugar. Bleu cheese and ranch dip add a lot of calories and are unnecessary. And chicken wings are just soooo good.

Sour cream is considered a no-no because it is high fat, and is yummy placed atop many snack foods. But a 1 ounce serving of sour cream can go a long way for flavor and contains only 59 calories.

Sour cream, like all fermented dairy products, contain probiotic bacteria. Probiotics benefits are well documented, and sour cream is a good source.

Popcorn is an excellent snack. 3 cups of air popped popcorn contains only 93 calories. Add in a sprinkle of salt or other seasoning; and that's all you need. Popping in oil or adding butter will increase the calorie count significantly.

Popcorn is also high in fiber, has some protein, and is rich in antioxidants.

Coconuts get a bad rap because they are high in saturated fats. But this is not the same kind of saturated fat found in animal fat. And the health benefits of coconut are well researched.

Coconut is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It is good for the skin and has been shown to increase metabolism. It is heart healthy, and is good for many functions of the human body too numerous to list here.

Many people are aware of this nowadays. But I had to include it. Dark chocolate contains flavanoids that reduce the risk of heart disease. Many swear by the fact that chocolate also improves mood.

Chocolate is high in fat, both saturated and unsaturated. But like the above mentioned coconut, the saturated fat contained in the cocoa butter is different from animal based fats.

One serving (38 g) of Hershey's Special Dark chocolate also contains 3g of fiber, 2g of protein, and 10% of the RDA for iron. Try to choose dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa.

One last thing about dark chocolate. It is sooo rich, and sooo satisfying; it really does kill your cravings. After eating dark chocolate, what more could you possible want?

We live in a society where everybody wants to tell you what's healthy, and what's not. Sometimes they're right, and sometimes they're wrong. But you can never assume anything, you really have to look for yourself.

You can enjoy these foods and still be healthy. There is only one thing required...Moderation.

Thanks for reading.