Introduction
When you’re craving something sweet, it can be hard to resist the temptation of unhealthy snacks. But there are plenty of healthy snacks that can satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar and calories. Here are 6 healthy snacks that are both delicious and nutritious. From homemade energy balls to frozen yogurt, these snacks are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. So, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite sweet treats, look no further!
6 Healthy Snacks for When You Crave Something Sweet
Craving something sweet can be hard to resist, but it doesn’t have to mean reaching for unhealthy snacks. Here are 6 healthy snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the most health benefits. Enjoy a few squares of dark chocolate as a sweet snack.
2. Fruit
Fruit is a great way to get your sweet fix without added sugar. Enjoy a few pieces of fresh fruit, such as apples, oranges, or berries. You can also try dried fruit, such as dates, raisins, or apricots. Just be sure to watch your portion size, as dried fruit can be high in calories.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great snack that can be both sweet and healthy. Look for plain yogurt and add your own fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for sweetness. Greek yogurt is a great option as it is higher in protein than regular yogurt.
4. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great snack that can be both sweet and savory. Look for trail mix that contains dried fruit, nuts, and seeds for a healthy snack. Avoid trail mix that contains candy or chocolate for added sweetness.
5. Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to get your sweet fix without added sugar. Try blending frozen fruit, yogurt, and a splash of milk for a delicious and healthy smoothie. You can also add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
6. Popcorn
Popcorn is a surprisingly healthy snack that can be sweet or savory. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for a sweet snack. You can also add a few dark chocolate chips for a sweet and salty treat.
The idea of grabbing healthy snacks when you crave something sweet may seem like an oxymoron, but there are plenty of options out there. The trick is to not wait for your cravings to hit before deciding what you want—because once that mid-afternoon slump hits, there’s no telling where your cravings will take you. Added sugar and foods high in saturated fat and calories tend to be the culprit driving these cravings, so it’s best not to feed that monster with more of the same unhealthy foods. You need a healthy snack that can satisfy your appetite while appeasing your sweet tooth.
If you are in search of a healthy snack while craving something sweet, sometimes your best offense is playing defense. In other words, with a little planning, you can make sure you have healthier options on hand able to satisfy your salty or sweet cravings no the time of day. Below you’ll find examples of healthy snacks you can stock up on for when the cravings preempted by your sweet tooth start to creep up. All these options provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats—or a combo of all three. Each of these nutritious snacks also takes a bit more time to digest, which means they’ll keep you satisfied for longer, too. Be sure to try any of these six healthy snacks the next time you want the taste of something sweet—and for more healthy eating tips to help conquer your cravings, check out 11 Ways To Stop Carb Cravings Before They Start.
A simple snack you can whip up (or buy at the store) is chia pudding. This gel-like pudding is comprised of delicious chia seeds that are packed with antioxidants along with essential nutrients and macronutrients. Not only are they loaded with satiating fiber that will keep you full, but chia seeds can also provide you with tons of energy.
To whip up your own sweet chia pudding treat at home, stir together three tablespoons of chia seeds, one cup of skim milk or other liquid of choice, and two teaspoons of honey or agave. Then divide this into two small cups, cover, and refrigerate for at least four hours. Top with your favorite fresh fruit or nuts. For a three-ingredient spin on this sweet and healthy snack, try this Chocolate-Strawberry Chia Pudding recipe.
If you love frozen goodies, this is an easy hack to curb that sweet tooth. Wash fresh grapes and pat dry with a paper towel. Place in a small rimmed baking sheet and freeze for at least four hours, and transfer to a freezer-friendly container. When your craving strikes, enjoy one cup of the frozen pieces of deliciousness!
Another way to curb those cravings for indulgent frozen sweets is to stick your single servings of Greek yogurt in the freezer. When the craving for frozen yogurt or even ice cream strikes, head to your own freezer, grab a spoon, and enjoy!
A cooling smoothie made from fruit, Greek yogurt, 100% juice or skim milk, and protein powder can help curb you sweet tooth. Plus, the protein from the powder and Greek yogurt can help keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
These portion controlled snack bites can help curb sweet cravings in a flash. You can find a few healthy energy ball or bite recipes and meal prep them for the week. Many use dried fruit like dates and add nuts, seeds, chocolate, or coconuts. Here is a yummy recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites to help get you started, however you can also pick up prepared energy balls or bites locally at some coffee shops.
DIY trail mix can take less than five minutes to toss together, and can help satisfy those who love their sweet and savory all in one. To make a healthy yet sweet trail mix, combine one cup of unsalted roasted nuts, like almonds, cashews, or pistachios; one cup of dried fruit, like raisins, apricots, mangos, tart cherries, prunes, or cranberries; and a quarter cup of dark chocolate chips. Toss together and divide into quarter-cup portions. Dividing into individual portions help keep calories in check and make it easy to grab-and-go from your pantry.
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Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN