Many people get the urge to eat unhealthy foods, especially when they’re on a diet.
In fact, it’s thought that around 50% of people regularly experience food cravings, which can derail their attempts to eat healthy.
Watching your calorie intake when you have a sweet tooth can be an uphill battle for many. But you don’t have to let the sugar cravings get to you! Indulge in healthier snacks like the ones listed here to keep your diet on track.
1. Complex carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are needed for your body to function efficiently. While you’re trying to avoid carbs, opt for complex carbohydrates over refined carbohydrates! Satiate cravings for bread, pasta, desserts, etc, with whole grains, baked potatoes, lentils, beans, and more.
2. Proteins
Lean protein like poultry or fish, dairy products, and plant protein like legumes, lentils beans, tofu, etc can keep you full and prevent cravings for sugar. Eating foods rich in protein for breakfast can keep you going through the day while keeping your appetite in check. Interestingly, proteins help suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin and also increase some hormones that make you feel full!
Don’t forget high-protein nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, pistachios, and flax, sesame, sunflower, and chia seeds. Consider making your nutritional bar with nuts and seeds and dried fruit.
3. Fruits
Fruits have natural sugars, but they are also packed with healthy vitamins and minerals and dietary fibre. Hit the sweet spot with fruits like berries, grapes, pineapple, and mangoes as these have more sugar.
You can also fix yourself a satisfying snack by eating nuts or yoghurt along with fruit. Pairing fruit with protein can not just satiate your sweet tooth, but also keep you full for longer. Best snack options include apple or banana with homemade sugar-free peanut butter, orange or berries with cottage cheese, figs and cheese, etc.
Avoid canned fruits as they are loaded with preservatives and added sugars. The same goes for fruit juices; make your fruit juices at home when eating whole fruit seems uninteresting. You can also try vegetable and fruit smoothies!
4. Dark chocolate
Sometimes, the answer to all of life’s problems is chocolate. And you don’t have to deprive yourself of this heavenly goodness. Just avoid white and milk chocolate and eat a piece or two of dark chocolate. Once you develop a taste for it, you’ll forget the other two. Containing more than 70 per cent cocoa, dark chocolate has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthier choice.
