Healthy Sweet Snacks Ideas
Everyone has a sweet tooth! I would like to say mine only happens once a day, but no it’s any time and always worse after a meal!
97% of women and 68% of men have reported having sugar cravings at some point during the day. And, if not managed, they can cause overconsumption (because one is never enough!) and weight gain.
If you find that you are like me and crave that sweet snack, take a look at a few of my personal favourites below.
DARK CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is the most common snack craved, and yes girls I’m sorry it is mostly us!
But what if I could tell you that you can have your cake and eat it? Ok so it’s no bar or dairy milk or galaxy, but dark chocolate has 70% cocoa and plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Now it doesn’t mean that you can eat a whole bar, but being richer in taste, one square can keep cravings at bay, and I personally love Lindt salted dark chocolate!
BLUEBERRIES
These nutritious little fruits are low in sugar, high in fibre, and give your immunity a boost with antioxidants and vitamin C content. To keep those sugar cravings at bay I love a berry smoothie, it’s refreshing, full of goodness, and tastes a treat too!
| BLUEBERRY CASHEW SHAKE
330ML nut/coconut milk 1 scoop vanilla or plain protein powder Handful of blueberries 15g of cashews |
DARK CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES
The best of both worlds, one of your 5 a day, a little bit of chocolate and a sweet satisfaction filled! I love these, especially on a weekend when watching a film, and I don’t have to bat the husband’s hand away.
Strawberries fill you with nutrients that the body needs to function such as vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. They are a great source of natural food that can help slow digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and increase your heart health.
Want To know the beauty benefits? They can help whiten your teeth and assist with skin irritations, WINNER!
PROTEIN BALLS
Ever like a snack at a random point of the day, when you’re walking around the shops and that bag of mini chocolate fingers catches your eye, or your kids’ rice cake makes your mouth water? These protein balls can be made to whatever flavor you want, and are so quick and easy to make it a no-brainer.
These are also great as kids’ snacks as they are balanced for growing bodies, just remember no protein powder for children due to their digestion.
| Chocolate peanut butter protein balls
1 cup pitted dates 2 cups rolled oats 1tbsp cacao powder 1tbsp peanut butter 2 scoops chocolate protein powder (optional) 1tsp honey (optional) *remove protein powder for children and honey for under ones* Mix all together in one bowl Make into small round balls Chill in fridge for 1 hour |
LOW CALORIE SWEET POPCORN
With health and fitness becoming all the range, so many brands are bringing out healthy products to substitute for unhealthier ones. Air-popped popcorn if sweetened with stevia can be a healthy alternative to the toffee-coated pieces. With its whole grain and high fiber ingredients, it can help ward off diabetes, heart disease, and the pesky chocolate cake in the cupboard.
Now writing all this makes me want to head off for the cupboard. But luckily the protein balls are next to the biscuits.
Enjoy your sweet snacks and let me know how you go!
Katie
PTnurse Fitness
