Healthy Alternatives to Common Foods: Sweet Treats
- October 5th, 2020
- in Nutrition, Wellness Education
By: Katie Hamner, UA Student, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
Are you tired of dieting? Do you feel that sometimes there’s no way of curbing that sweet tooth? You’re not alone. There are many healthy alternatives to be considered before giving up on your goals. These small adjustments to your meals and snacks could be just the thing you need to achieve your weight-loss goals. If you try something that you don’t like at first, then don’t give up just yet. It may take your tastebuds a few tries to get used to a new thing. The purpose of these easy swaps is to expand your pallet and try foods that you wouldn’t normally eat. Go for those nutrient-dense options and cut out some of the calories in the process. Win-Win!
1. Ice Cream vs. “Nice” Cream
When your sweet tooth calls on a regular basis, it would be better for your waistline as well as your wallet to switch to a healthy alternative. Coined by many as “nice” cream, this delicious treat is super easy to whip up and has approximately 100 calories per serving. The task is simple: chop and freeze a ripe banana; pulse the frozen banana pieces in a food processor or blender while adding 1 tbsp of milk at a time until it is as smooth as the consistency of soft-serve ice cream; add 1 tsp of cocoa powder to the banana mixture and then enjoy a delicious, healthy treat.
2. Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate
The simple fact of the matter is that milk chocolate contains outstanding amounts of added sugar and fat, which is what makes it so deliciously irresistible. On the other hand, dark chocolate has its own health benefits such as disease-fighting antioxidants and high fiber for digestive health. It may be a big change at first, but the extra calories really do start to pile up during Halloween and the holidays that follow. Try the chocolate that is 70% cocoa or more to reap the benefits.
3. Granola Bar vs. Trail Mix
These two may not sound very different, but depending on the brand and the contents, trail mix is definitely the better option. Known to some as “GORP”, short for Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts, trail mix is a simple snack and consists of a variety of nuts and seeds as well as any kind of dried fruit. Granola bars, although may seem harmless, are highly processed snack foods and most likely contain high amounts of added sugar. Combine your favorite heart-healthy nuts, sweet dried fruit which is rich in antioxidants, and any other simple ingredients like seeds, pretzels, or cacao nibs for a satisfying snack anywhere and anytime.
If you liked these suggestions and you want more tips for better eating habits, check back later for more ‘Healthy Alternatives to Common Foods’.