Sugar is one dietary component that many of us get addicted to, and the reason is simple. Consuming foods rich in sugar triggers our brain to release dopamine, and we feel terrific. There is also an evolutionary aspect to our sugar cravings. Apparently, our primate ancestor ‘the ape,’ survived on sugar-rich fruits.
Even though we enjoy fruits now and then, most of our ‘current’ sugar intake does not include fruits but unhealthy, processed sugary snacks like confectionery items and soda. Shockingly, over 156 pounds of sugar is consumed by the average American in a year!
Fortunately, there are other healthier options of satisfying those devilish sugar cravings than eating foods with added sugar. Continue reading to find out more.
Whole wheat waffle topped with fruits and low-fat cream:
Delicious, filling and healthy, this divine treat is an excellent evening snack as well as a breakfast item.
Warm whole wheat waffle topped with sweet, and tangy berries and a little bit of low-fat cream sprinkled with cinnamon can make your day as bright as the sunshine. You can make your own waffles or grab any whole wheat waffle available commercially for a scrumptious treat.
Dark Chocolate:
When in a rush there is nothing better to soothe those craving taste buds than chewing a few pieces of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is beneficial for our health in several ways thanks to its antioxidants, cancer prevention, and low-calorie nutrient profile. Make sure your dark chocolate is made with 70% or more cocoa, and you would feel your stress releasing slowly after this snack.
Strawberries dipped in chocolate:
There truly can’t be sweet snacks without chocolate, but not all milk chocolates are healthy as they use milk fats and lots of sugar. So coat the yummy, super food that is strawberry with chocolate, but make sure you use melted dark chocolate instead. You can freeze these perfect treats and save them for munching later.
Frozen Choco banana:
Another chocolate favorite, this snack is packed with the goodness of banana and dark chocolate.
Dip frozen bananas in melted dark chocolate and add raisins, oatmeal and dried nuts like almond or cashews for an energy boost. Not only you will tame the sweet tooth with this snack, but you can also find a delightful way to consume all the nutritional benefits of nuts, dark chocolate, and bananas.
Yogurt Parfait:
Eating yogurt is a healthy way to help your body absorb calcium and other nutrients from milk without the weird ‘milky’ taste that some people don’t like. It also has probiotics which are favorable for improving your gut’s health.
Take a cup of flavored or plain Greek yogurt and sprinkle your favorite fruits, granola, and nuts to enjoy a sweet combination of flavors.
Honey and lime with fresh fruits:
Fresh fruits are yummy, refreshing and hydrating but if you want your fruits to pack a punch squeeze some sweet lime and honey over it for a zesty and syrupy overhaul.
Fruit popsicles:
Perfect for the hot weather, fruits can be slightly mashed together to form a puree and then frozen to make a Popsicle!
Muesli with honey and milk:
Swiss muesli is fit for a king thanks to its creamy, rich texture, a plethora of tastes and health benefits. You can make it sweet by adding honey and mixing it with low-fat milk instead of plain water.
Peanut butter and chocolate pretzels:
Grab a few pretzel sticks and dip in melted dark chocolate or peanut butter for a sweet and savory treat.
Sorbet:
Sorbets are fun, healthy and easy to make. Make a big bunch at home with your favorite fruits and eat a scoop whenever the sugar cravings set in.
About the author:
Brooke Whistance is a passionate health and lifestyle blogger who loves to write about prevailing trends. She has been living in Los Angeles, California with her family including, her parents, two siblings and her cats. She is a featured author at various authoritative blogs in the health and fitness industry and currently associated as a blogger with Florida Hospital Centra Care, an urgent care center in Tampa and other cities in the vicinity such as Conway, Longwood, Orange Lake and others. You can find her at LinkedIn Twitter and Facebook.