After a savory meal, it can be very tempting to indulge in sugary snacks; however, this isn’t always the healthiest course of action. Of course, everyone is entitled to a treat from time to time, but having lots of sugary snacks daily is far from good for your health. Just by taking a look at snack and preserve packaging, you can see just how much sugar is in some of our favorite treats. Not only is sugar a big contributor to weight gain, but it’s also detrimental to our teeth. As a result, we should look to cut down on refined sugars, and can do so with the following alternatives.
Low-Sugar Popsicles
Low-sugar popsicles are great, as they’re essentially flavored water. With these, you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth without filling yourself with sugar. If you can’t seem to find store-bought low-sugar popsicles that are suitable, you can even create your own. Simply get some lower-acidity fruits, such as mango, strawberry, and watermelon, blend them into a juice, and freeze. If you prefer a creamier texture, you might even blend it with low-fat milk or yogurt. This way, your sweet tooth will be satisfied, and you’ll get one of your five-a-day, too.
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is so easy to make and is customizable, too. You simply have to mix chia seeds with low-fat milk and allow the mixture to set in the fridge for a couple of hours. Following this, nut butter, coconut, maple syrup, honey, granola, or berries can be added. Whatever your preference may be, there’s a chia pudding to suit. Just be sure to prepare in advance so you’re not tempted to reach for the snack cupboard on those days when the sweet tooth takes over. Preparation is key when it comes to changing eating habits.
Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Store-bought ice creams are packed full of sugar; however, you can make your own for a fraction of the cost with absolutely no added sugar. With a quarter of a cup of natural peanut butter and two frozen bananas, you have your very own healthy ice cream. Simply blitz the combo in a food processor until they combine to form a smooth mixture. Bananas and peanut butter are a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to healthy sweet-toothed snacking. It’s a win-win.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt might not seem that impressive, but it has the capacity to be transformed into so many yummy desserts. With a foundation of plain yogurt without added sugars or flavors, you can then start to build from there. Popular additions include honey, granola, nuts, and fruit. In the end, you’ll essentially have a healthy ice cream sundae. Not only does Greek yogurt contain hardly any sugar, but it’s also packed full of calcium. Meanwhile, dairy products are quite filling, meaning you’re likely to be left feeling satisfied, preventing cravings from occurring as frequently.
Fruit
Last but certainly not least is fruit, plain and simple. Fruit is nature’s candy, containing healthy sugars that won’t rot your teeth. Speaking of your teeth, they prefer fruits that are low in acidity, such as peaches, melons, strawberries, or bananas. Fruit isn’t always the most filling as it’s largely water-based, so you might bulk it up by combining it with some oats or other types of grains. For dessert, though, fruit is the perfect option to satisfy that craving for something sweet without making you feel overly full.
Everyone is allowed sugary snacks from time to time, but alternatives are extremely beneficial to your health for the most part.
