We all crave unhealthy food. From doughnuts to biscuits and chocolate, these sugary foods are the ones that are most enjoyable to eat and what we crave most. However, it is good to be aware of healthy foods that will satisfy these sugar cravings when they hit. While it is completely fine to indulge every once in a while it is good to vary your diet with healthy alternatives that will still leave you feeling satisfied.
Healthy foods: Still delicious
Studies have shown that it can be better if you satisfy one craving at a time as you will be less likely to overeat. When you eat something with lots of different tastes and textures it makes you want to eat more, so when you want sugar make sure you have something sweet. Here are some healthy food that will combat your sugar cravings.
Replace Chocolate with Blueberries
Blueberries contain less sugar than most berries but carry a lot of benefits for us. They contain a lot of manganese which is the mineral that helps regulate blood sugar and heal the skin. Pair these berries with Greek yogurt for the perfect energy-boosting and filling snack.
If you do want chocolate, however, then you are best to go for dark chocolate. If you go for a higher percentage, 70% cocoa or more, then there will be less added sugar and more health benefits such as lower blood pressure and some stress relief. Everything is best in moderation, even healthy foods.
Replace Fizzy Drinks with Pomegranate Juice
Drinks like Coke and Lemonade taste good because they pack loads of sugar and artificial ingredients. As an alternative try pomegranate juice mixed with carbonated water for that satisfying fizzy drink. Pomegranate is a great source of vitamin C and is full of antioxidants that are good for the heart.
Alternatively, cranberry and raspberry juice is available in lots of places and also satisfies with a sweet taste as well as antioxidants, just be mindful of the added sugar content!
Replace Sweet and Salty with Watermelon and Feta
The best combination of flavors has to be sweet and salty, it is so moreish as it fulfills our unhealthiest cravings at once. Believe it or not, there is a great salad that satisfies this craving just as much as a bag of popcorn would. Watermelon and feta cheese are the perfect summery combination of foods that complement each other and taste great. It is also a great way to get some vitamins and proteins.
Replace Sugar with Cinnamon
If you’re the kind of person who likes stuff sweet and finds a small amount of sugar makes things easier to go down why not try sprinkling foods with cinnamon instead. This spice can add a sweet kick to anything like cereal, fruit, yogurt, or coffee. It minimizes insulin spikes after you’ve eaten which means that your sugar cravings will be reduced.
These are just a few ideas on how to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way but there are loads of foods out there which are better alternatives to sugary snacks. In supermarkets there are so many healthy snack bars for you to get your hands on. Next time you do a weekly shop add some of those to your cart instead of a packet of biscuits.
