Junk food can be be GOOD for you:

All too often, people are plagued with guilt after enjoying a tasty afternoon snack or indulgent weekend feast.

But are our favourite ‘junk’ foods really so bad for us?

Speaking to FEMAIL, Australian holistic nutritionist and Supercharge your Gut author, Lee Holmes, said there’s absolutely no need to feel guilty after eating one too many treats.

‘While I don’t recommend eating junk food all the time, it can be made part of your routine if you don’t associate it with guilt and just enjoy it for what it is,’ she said.

‘While one healthy meal won’t make you strong, one unhealthy meal won’t make you put on weight. It’s all about balance. When you really need to justify a treat, just remember that moderation is key. Heck, it’s part of what makes us human.’

Speaking to FEMAIL, Australian holistic nutritionist and Supercharge your Gut author, Lee Holmes, said there’s absolutely no need to feel guilty after eating one too many treats

‘While one healthy meal won’t make you strong, one unhealthy meal won’t make you put on weight,’ she said

CHOCOLATE

‘While decadent chocolate can be filled with sugar and high in fat, chocolate does release serotonin in the body which makes us feel happy,’ Lee said.

‘Chocolate can also be high in the mineral magnesium, which is necessary for our body function.

‘However, too much of a good thing is never a good thing. If you’re going to be biting into your favourite slab, fully embrace it. Let it melt in your mouth and appreciate it.

‘Or, if you’re looking to up your chocolate game, maybe try out some darker chocolate, like the 70 per cent cocoa ones or even go with the raw variety. It’s high in antioxidants and full of delicious taste, minus some of the nasties.’

Pictured are Lee’s healthy collagen and flax chocolate bars

ICE CREAM

‘If you’re looking to strengthen your bones and teeth, you may want to up your calcium. Do you know what’s high in calcium? Dairy!’ Lee said.

‘Obviously, I’m not telling you to get your sole calcium fix from dairy (there’s vegetables and other great sources for that), but just remember when you’re picking your favourite flavour that it’s not all bad.’

Pictured are Lee’s cauliflower raspberry ripple nice creams

BURGERS

‘If you’re thinking about gobbling down a greasy cheese burger (vegetarians, look away!) and trying to work out whether it fits into your macros, think again,’ Lee said.

‘While burgers from fast-food chains contain unhealthy saturated and transfats, additives and more, enjoying a nice home-made burger can be a real treat.

‘If you have your lean protein of choice for the base, delicious fresh vegetables for the middle and some good quality-bread (or maybe a lettuce wrap or open burger), it doesn’t need to be an unhealthy meal.

‘It’s important to remember that when it comes to junk foods, you don’t need to finish the whole thing either! Sometimes just a few bites are enough to satisfy our desires for that feeling.’

What foods does Lee Holmes suggest eating less of?

Wheat, Cow’s Milk and Soy: They are not good for people with low immune systems. Wheat products contain glue in the form of gluten and milk contains casein which are hard for people to digest and for our bodies to process. Neuro-toxins are found in these products too. The combination of these ingredients are what causes a wide range of digestive disorders.

Processed Foods: Avoid anything processed and foods containing fake ingredients. The processing component removes vitamins and minerals from foods so they are left with no nutritional value. After food has been processed it is injected with artificial ingredients and additives to enhance its flavour and taste. A large proportion of these additives are neuro-toxic and extremely damaging to general health.

Sugar: All forms of sugar should be avoided or cut out from your diet as much as possible. This includes white and brown sugar, too many fruits, and sugar substitutes. Many low fat meals have artificial sugars added. Artificial sugars are the worst foods you can eat and are the cause of many health problems.

Table Salt: Replace table salt with a good ocean sea salt. Many types of fast foods are jam-packed with table salt along with canned and packaged foods. Too much table salt can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Man-Made Fats: Man made vegetable oils and fats are not good for your health, in particular Trans fats which are hydrogenated liquid oils. The best fats to stick to are Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, seed and nut oils and Coconut Oil in moderation.

ALCOHOL

‘It’s time to cut to the chase – alcohol,’ Lee said.

‘Moderate alcohol consumption may actually provide some health benefits because of its level of antioxidants.

‘Alcohol, in moderate amounts, can potentially reduce risk of heart disease, ischemic stroke and even diabetes.

‘However, again, moderation is key. If you’re going to drink, opt for spirits with soda water and fresh lime/lemon or red wine as they’re higher in antioxidants and lower in sugar.’

‘Moderate alcohol consumption may actually provide some health benefits because of its level of antioxidants,’ Lee said

PIZZA

‘Pizza is truly a dish that is universally enjoyed. However, not all pizzas are created equally,’ Lee said.

‘Pizza sauce is usually made from tomatoes which are high in vitamin A and C, our antioxidants.

‘Pizza is also topped with vegetables and we all know that veggies are good! Some pizzas contain a hefty amount of fat and sugar so that may be a factor to consider when deciding on your pizza of choice.

‘You can find some gluten-free bases that are a healthier alternative.

‘If you’re looking at making pizza at home, why not try swapping out your pizza base for a cauliflower one or even a simple eggplant? Ham and Cheese pizza? No problem.’

More healthy, gut-friendly recipes can be found here

‘Pizza sauce is usually made from tomatoes which are high in vitamin A and C, our antioxidants,’ Lee said (pictured is her gluten-free pizza)

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk