One of the easiest ways to start getting healthier and feeling better is to start cutting out food that you know isn’t good for you.

But that’s way easier said than done… ask me how I know!

Here are some great alternatives to the junk food we crave:

1. Corn Chips: I love a good tortilla chip, crunchy, salty – YUM! This week I found an easy to make alternative: Raw Man Walking’s version of Corn Chips.

He uses a dehydrator – if you don’t have one, no worries. You can pop them in the oven on the lowest setting, just keep checking them for done-ness.

These are delicious – try them with fresh salsa – or mango and peach salsa.

2. Ice Cream: I’m going to turn to Raw Man Walking one more time for his delicious Banana Ice Cream. It’s got the consistency of the real thing and it’s easier to make, and easier on your health!

3. Potato Chips: I’m a sucker for potato chips, I admit it. For an alternative, I love Terra Chips. They are made from root veggies and come in a great variety of flavors. Look for them in the chip aisle or the organic section of your grocery store.

4. Soda: As an alternative to sugary sodas, I love seltzer. It comes in a variety of flavors and you can get the fizz and the feel of soda without the sugar.

5. Candy Bar: During that mid-afternoon slump, a candy bar looks like it might do the trick to pick up your energy. But you and I both know you’ll be crashing again – and you’ll feel awful having eaten all that fat, sugar, and lord knows what else. Instead, try a handful of raw nuts and a couple (small) pieces of dark chocolate. You’ll get the chocolate fix and feel much better.

Remember – you should be eating throughout the day. Five to six times a day to be exact. That allows for 3 meals, plus two snacks. If you find that you’re unbelievably starving during the day, it could be that you aren’t eating enough.

And if you aren’t eating enough, turning to healthier things like those listed above will help you feel satisfied, and energized.