These healthy foods will help you satisfy your sweet tooth

Cutting down on refined sugar is not easy, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Choosing healthier alternatives however can help reduce serious diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Don’t worry, you don’t have to purchase expensive sugar-free products. There are many alternative and tasty food options available to satisfy a sweet tooth without sugar. Here’s a list of the top foods you can try.

SIX FOODS THAT SATISFY A SWEET TOOTH WITHOUT SUGAR

Certain foods can help you to satisfy your sweet cravings and reduce calories. Just remember, you don’t have to completely cut sugar out of your diet, but choosing these alternatives will help you to reduce your overall sugar intake.

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BERRIES

Are you guilty of keeping a bottle of sweets on your desk? Swap those Wine Gums for some juicy fruits. Berries are the best choice for sugar-addicted as they are low-glycemic foods – meaning they won’t raise your blood sugar levels. Try adding blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to your lunch box.
Another advantage of adding fruits such as berries is that you’ll get added fibre, vitamins, and minerals. And since berries contain a lot of water, it will help keep you fuller for longer.

AVOCADO

It may seem like an odd choice but avocados are a superfood that can help prevent insulin spikes. Avocados leave you feeling full and satisfied due to their high protein and healthy fat content. Try adding a few slices to your lunch to beat those mid-day sugar cravings.

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SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are the perfect alternative for sugar lovers. Apart from their delicious flavour, sweet potatoes are high in fibre and beta-carotene. Try swapping your regular chips with sweet potato or adding it to salads and soups.

GREEK YOGHURT

Yogurt is a good probiotic but most drinking yogurts tend to be packed with sugar. Greek yogurt is a good snack alternative as it contains less sugar and is high in protein. Add fruits, vegetables, or nuts to create a filling and satisfying treat.

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DARK CHOCOLATE

Chocolate addict? Try dark chocolate. It generally has less sugar than milk chocolate due to its higher cacao content. It’s best to check the nutrition label before buying dark chocolate as the sugar content can differ among manufacturers.

 MEDJOOL DATES & RAISINS

Medjool dates and raisins are tasty alternatives to refined sugar. They come with a sweet taste and lots of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. You can add these to your breakfast oat bowl or Greek yoghurt snack, or simply keep them by your desk when you feel like a sweet treat.

Cutting down on sugar is not easy but worth it in the long-term. There are many other food choices you can have to satisfy a sweet tooth without sugar; just remember to cut down your sugar intake slowly to avoid a future sugar binge.

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This article was originally published by Kerina Kandasamy.