You know when you wake up, eat a great breakfast, work out, and manage to stay on track with your eating all day…until it gets to that point where your sweet tooth craving is the only thing you can focus on? We’ve all been there (we’ve also been in the freezer reaching for the tub of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food that we just know is somewhere at 2 a.m.). So, the next time your sweet tooth strikes, try out one of these yummy ways to indulge without ruining your health kick.
1. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Pair half a cup of plain Greek yogurt with some fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are my favorite) and top with granola. If you’re feeling adventurous toss in some flax or chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost. Chia seeds, like Greek yogurt, are loaded with protein and fiber and are low in calories.
2. Frozen grapes
Leave a bunch of grapes in the freezer for 15 minutes before you start eating and you’ll have some little sweets to munch on as a post-dinner snack. Fun fact — grapes contain resveratrol, which is the same nutrient that makes people swoon over red wine (well, that’s not the only reason we swoon over wine…). Resveratrol increases blood flow and helps your body with the production of nitric oxide, which is a chemical that keeps your blood vessels dilated as they should be.
3. Smoothie
Cold, sweet, and so resembling of the ice cream we are trying to avoid. Not to mention, the options are endless. Start with a base of ½ cup of plain yogurt or milk, some ice cubes, and any fruit you have on hand. The ‘Chunky Monkey’ is a classic — blend the base mixture with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and a banana, or toss in some frozen mango chunks and a splash of pineapple juice for something a little more tropical.
4. Dried fruit
Banana chips, dried apricots, raisins, and apple crisps are among a list of seemingly endless dehydrated fruit products. Those, along with fruit leather strips, are great options for enjoying a sweet bite. Just stay within the serving size suggestions!
5. Pear with almond butter
Apples and peanut butter are a staple, but if you’re sick of the usual routine try switching up the fruit. Slice a sweet green pear with a shmear of peanut butter and enjoy the new flavor.