I can’t remember a time in my life where I would have chosen a fruit or, god forbid, a vegetable over something sweet and delicious. In the last few years, I’ve definitely been trying much harder to make healthy food choices and live an overall healthier lifestyle, but let’s just say it: eating healthy is HARD. If you make if through a week of clean eating, don’t forget to give yourself a massive pat on the back… but you probably spent that week craving a little sweetness. Since we’re being honest, sometimes the snacks that satisfy your sweet tooth aren’t necessarily “healthy”.
Even though we can’t eat healthy all the time, we can try to cut back on the sugar that we do consume. Next time you feel the need to reach for your poison of choice, be it a chocolate bar, candy, cookie or any other sugary delight, consider trying some of these healthier, equally-as-delicious snacks to satisfy that craving!
1) Chocolate-covered strawberries
Or any fruit covered in chocolate really! The amazing superfood benefits of strawberries, like being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, helps to balance the not-so-healthy chocolate coating. Bonus points if you use dark chocolate to coat your fruit!
It’s a long time from now, but once summer is here and you find yourself craving something sugary and cool, try coating strawberries and banana slices in chocolate and throwing them in the freezer for a sweet, refreshing and healthy snack.
2) Chocolate-Peanut Butter Popcorn
This snack is perfect if you’ve got a craving for something a little sweet and a little savoury. Just pop a bag of your favourite popcorn, drizzle on a little peanut butter and finish it off by sprinkling some cocoa powder on top. It’s crunchy, tasty and will satisfy you’re sweet tooth! Sweet tip: If you need a little more sweetness, swap out cocoa powder for Nutella. Delish!
Recipe: https://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/peanut-butter-popcorn/
3) Fruit Salad
Yep, fruit is sweet and healthy all on it’s own. One of the perks about eating fruit salad, aside from the obvious benefits of getting to eat a healthy salad without having to consume kale, is that you can make it exactly how you like it! Pick a couple of your favourite fruits and just mix them together for a yummy snack! Sweet tip: if natural fruit sugars alone aren’t enough to satisfy your craving, you can add a few drops of honey for a little added deliciousness.
Recipe: http://www.delish.com/cooking/g1333/fruit-salad/?thumbnails&slide=15
4) Granola Bar
Brands like KIND, Special K and Nature Valley make delicious, healthy alternatives to sinking your teeth into a brick of chocolate. Most granola bars contain a mix of nuts, fruit and sweetness which can be achieved by little pieces of dark chocolate, a honey coating or a yogurt base. With so much variety (my favourite right now are Special K Nourish Cranberries & Almond bars), you’re sure to find something that satisfies your sweet tooth or you can even make your own!
Recipe: http://minimalistbaker.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars/
5) Smoothies
Smoothies are an easy, healthy snack loaded with health benefits. Much like fruit salads, smoothies blend your favourite fruits together and make a delicious drink for any time of the day. For a little added sweetness, throw in some honey, cocoa powder or yogurt to get your daily dose of sugar.
Recipes: http://greatist.com/health/healthy-smoothie-recipes
6) Dark Chocolate
Yes, a chocolate bar is most definitely on the list! Dark chocolate (we’re talking 70% cocoa) can actually be a healthy snack if eaten in moderation! Without all of the added fats and sugar of regular milk chocolate, dark chocolate offers a much healthier option when you desperately need to take a minute in chocolate heaven. Plus, dark chocolate is also loaded with antioxidants and studies show that it can help with heart health and lower your risk of heart disease. We always knew chocolate was a superhero!
What are your favourite healthy snacks? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Sources: Cover, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
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