7 Healthier Alternatives to Satisfy Cravings
Sticking to diets is tough. Whenever I have tried “dieting” or eating healthy I always find that I start strong and then a week or two in those intense cravings kick in. My once strong resolve shatters and I give into the craving. Recently I have been on the hunt for substitutes that I can consume that help satisfy my cravings but also do not ruin my goals of healthy eating. Here are some ideas of substitutes for some more common cravings that can ruin our New Years resolutions and Summer Bods.
ICE CREAM
There is nothing better than going out for some ice cream especially in the hot summer months. Ice cream is the perfect sweet treat to drown sorrows in, but it isn’t the perfect treat for the diet you’ve been trying to follow. Try this alternative:
1-Vanilla Chobani Greek Yogurt
2-Add your favorite fruit (I suggest Strawberries and blueberries)
3- Add a small portion of your favorite granola (for those who love peanut butter I highly recommend Bear Naked Peanut Butter Granola)
This alternative gives me the satisfying creamy texture and taste that you get from Ice Cream with the added benefits of lower sugar, vitamins and healthy sugars from fruits, and healthy fats from the granola.
POPCORN
This is a common craving of mine. I realized that when I would get hungry I would pop a bag of movie theater buttered popcorn and feel sick after eating most of it. Try this easy alternative.
1-Smart Food Sea Salt Pop Corn (Air Popped)
This helps me satisfy my craving without all the added butter. Try these portioned snack bags.
SODA
This is another common craving I have. I love the bubbles of carbonation! Occasionally, I have a killer craving for a Pepsi! Try this alternative instead.
1-La Croix Lime
Ok, so if you love the bubbles but hate the taste of sparkling water, I have another secret for you…
2-Add some True Lime black cherry limeade
Voila! Taste so much better, and you can satisfy that carbonation craving.
CANDY
Candy is the bane of my existence! Other women go for chocolate, not me, I go straight for the sour candies and gummy worms. This one has been a hard one to find a satisfying alternative to. Here’s what I do to curb that craving.
1-Dried Fruit
I know this is not very exciting but the sweetness from the fruit really helps curb that craving for those sweet gummy candies that I love. My favorite are dried apples. Give them a try!
POTATO CHIPS
There is nothing better than a burger and some potato chips but there’s also nothing worse than potato chips to ruin your healthy eating habits you’re trying to develop. Try this instead.
1-Lightly Salted Nuts
Nuts are a much better source of fats and even protein. If you’re looking to lower your sodium intake try eating a serving of these instead of a serving of potato chips.
COFFEE
Interested in cutting caffeine out of your diet but still craving that early morning coffee routine? I have something for you to try!
1-Crio Bru
This is a great substitute to Herbal Tea and Coffee. It boosts energy without the use of caffeine. Though it is a cocoa bean don’t expect it to taste like your normal cup of coco it takes after coffee more in that regard. It a great alternative for those who still want to keep their morning coffee routine without the caffeine crashes.
BROWNIES
Who doesn’t love a warm gooey brownie and a cool glass of milk? The desire for a chocolatey baked good is enough to throw anybody off the right track.
1-Cave Man Grain Free Brownie Crunch
This Paleo friendly snack is great because it satisfies your chocolate craving and provides the crunch that so many of us crave without ruining your calorie intake for the day.
If you have been looking for a way to stay on track with your healthy eating, then you really need to give these alternatives a try. Remember, you do not have to be perfect. It is ok to splurge every once in a while, just try to keep 17 out of every 20 meals on track.