Helping Kids and Families Cook & Eat Healthier.

Six Healthy (and Yummy!) Strategies to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

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The taste of sweets can be tempting, but the blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and other health risks associated with sugary desserts is not as tempting! So what to do when a sweet tooth strikes you and your family? Rest assured-we have you covered with these six healthy strategies to satisfy your sweet tooth!

  1.  Go Natural. Your first tool for satisfying a hankering for something sweet should be to look to what nature has already made sweet. Snacking on your favorite fruit just may do the trick. Don’t neglect veggies for the job either. For example, a baked sweet potato seasoned liberally with cinnamon is warm, satisfying, and nourishing.
  2.  Get Creative. If just munching on apple slices isn’t enough to calm the craving for dessert, try getting creative. Freeze bananas and put them in the blender for an ice cream like treat or layer chopped berries with plain Greek yogurt and nuts for a decadent parfait.
  3.  Make It an Experience. Part of the delight of a dessert is the experience. Rather than quickly shoving something down, serve any of these suggestions on nice plate or bowl and savor the moment with your family.
  4.  Take a Recipe Risk. Your favorite sweet fix might just be waiting for you to discover it. Experiment reducing or replacing the sugar in your favorite recipes (see strategy #5 for alternative sweetener suggestions). You may make some missteps along the way, but if you  gather your family together for your kitchen experiments you are sure to have fun—and you may just find a new favorite and healthier recipe along the way!
  5.  Look for Alternatives. Raw honey, dates, and maple syrup can make great sweeteners when used in moderation. Try using just a bit when you are looking to add sweetness to a dish.
  6.  Take a Break. If all else fails, take a break by talking with a friend, going for a walk, or doing anything else. By the time you are done, you may realize you would rather feel good than temporarily satisfy the need for a sugar rush!

 

Categories: Tips & BitsTags:

Author: Coach Kim

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