Sweet Tooth Solutions: How to Enjoy Your Life and Get Your “Sweets”
Everyone knows the feeling when your brain tells you all you need is that one chocolate bar, or strawberry milkshake, or that one special sweet treat. And those cravings are hard to ignore! But with a little creativity, you can find a healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Here are some healthy dessert ideas if you need a little something sweet in your life.
Dark chocolate
Yes, if you’re craving chocolate it’s okay to actually have some! But dark chocolate is an especially smart choice since it tends to be lower in sugar content and higher in antioxidants. Try chocolate at 75% cacao or more. A square or two after dinner is a delicious way to cure those chocolate cravings.
Cereal
Cereal is one of those foods that’s been a glorified “healthy” start to your day, but in reality most cereals should be considered treats since they’re often high in sugar. It might be best to enjoy a bowl of your favorite cereal as a treat or dessert, since it’ll satisfy your sugar cravings while adding some nutritional sustenance to your snack.
Greek yogurt
For when you need something creamy, opt for this protein-packed snack. To make it a more complete dessert, add some fruit, granola, a touch of honey, or a tablespoon of jam to the plain low-fat variety.
Coffee with milk
Sometimes a nice creamy, slightly sweet cup of warm coffee can help curb your sweet tooth. If you use milk, that creamy sweetness will add a boost of calcium, and sipping the coffee might make you think twice about your original cravings in the first place.
Frozen fruit
This is one of my go-to sweet treats since it feels like a creamy rich dessert but is just as healthy as fresh fruit! Slice up some bananas, throw them in the freezer for a few hours, and enjoy! You can also peel and freeze whole bananas and dip them in peanut butter or a touch of dark chocolate or coconut for a more decadent treat. Grapes and other fruits can be just as delicious frozen as well, so experiment to find your favorites!
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruits have lots of natural sugars and are a delicious way to satisfy sugar cravings, as well as packing in a bunch of fiber and other micronutrients. Try a fruit salad or top off some mango with chili powder and
lime for a tangy treat.
Lastly, just know that it’s also okay to eat the thing you’re craving within reason.
If you’re absolutely craving that mint chocolate chip ice cream, and nothing in the universe will fulfill that need, have a small scoop of it! Remember, sometimes it’s okay to crave the cake and eat it, too. Have one slice, not the whole cake, and be mindful of portion sizes. You don’t want to overdo it.
Good Luck Sweet Tooth Fairies!
Comments