Satisfy Your Unhealthy Cravings With These Alternative Snacks

We’ve all been there: you’ve reached the afternoon slump and need a little pick-me-up. Then you remember that vanilla ice cream in the freezer. The frozen confection seems to be calling your name, and it’s hard to focus on the rest of the day’s tasks until you get yourself a scoop.

But you also know that the sugar in the ice cream will lead to a crash not long after you snack, and it’s not the healthiest option for you. So how do you get rid of this craving? Find a food swap! Check out some of our favorites below.

Unhealthy Cravings and Healthy Alternatives

Swap This Food for That Food

• Dark Chocolate Instead of Milk Chocolate - Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and has more healthy antioxidants. Opt for a version with at least 70% cocoa.
• Unsweet Iced Tea or Seltzer Instead of Soda - Soda is full of sugar, so opt for an unsweetened alternative with a lot of flavor to satisfy your taste buds. Seltzer is perfect if you’re craving the fizziness of a soda, while tea offers antioxidants and beneficial flavonoids.
• Reduced-Sugar Greek Yogurt Instead of Ice Cream - Greek yogurt provides protein to help you feel full for longer and keep cravings at bay, and it also contains probiotics to feed your gut’s microbiome. Add berries on top for a dash of sweetness and some extra vitamins!
• Lightly-Salted Nuts Instead of Chips - Satisfy your need for a savory, crunchy snack with lightly-salted nuts. They’ll provide a dose of healthy fat and protein to keep you full!
• Fresh Fruit Instead of Candy - Quench your cravings for candy with sweeter fruits, like grapes, pomegranates, cherries, or bananas. The complex carbs in these will satisfy you longer without the steep decline in energy known as a sugar crash.
• Coffee With a Dash of Milk Instead of a Sugary Latte - Many coffee beverages from cafes contain a lot of sugar. Find an energy boost with a cup of black coffee instead. If you want more flavor, add a dash of milk and even some cinnamon!

Looking to make an even bigger change to your diet? Schedule an appointment with your St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician! They will work with you to develop a meal plan that can help you reduce your risk of disease and achieve better health. Then, find innovative and delicious ways to integrate healthful foods into your diet with our collection of nutritious recipes!

Sources:

Medical News Today | What causes food cravings?
Healthline | 18 Healthy Foods to Eat When Cravings Strike
Healthline | What Do Food Cravings Mean? Facts and Myths, Explained