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Valentine’s Day is over; everyone’s returning to their daily habits and routines after a day of love and romance. But there’s still something on the shelf, and it’s cheaper than ever – candy.
It’s a siren song that’s hard to ignore; many of us have a sweet tooth, and it can be tough not to overindulge when it comes to dessert. These sugary delights have a nasty track record of upending even the most disciplined diets.
Luckily, we’ve compiled this list of sweet, healthy treats to keep thoughts of candy away and your diet on track!
1. Fruit
Fresh fruits knock candy out of the park! Natural sugars help satisfy the craving for sweets while providing the body with vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C, dietary fibers, potassium, iron, and antioxidants.
Even better, fruit is great fresh or dried. Fresh fruit are a sweet, juicy, and refreshing snack. Dried fruit, on the other hand, can help curb a craving for gummies. Although dried fruit has less sugar and fewer calories than candy, they do tend to have more calories per gram than their fresh counterparts! Add in some nuts to keep the calories low, while adding a bit of protein.
If you’re looking for a frozen treat, fruit can be the fix for that too! Pop some grapes in the freezer for a cool delight. If you want something more indulgent, try dipping frozen bananas in dark chocolate and nuts for a sweet boost of protein and potassium!
2. Popcorn
Popcorn? Sweet? We know most people pair this salty, crunchy treat with melted butter and their favorite flick. But it’s so much more than just a savory snack!
Air-popped popcorn contains nearly zero fats and, at 30 calories per cup, is a health-conscious treat. Whereas candy contains simple carbs, popcorn provides snackers with complex carbohydrates. In short, people receive vitamins, minerals, and energy without the inevitable sugar “crash.”
And, you don’t need to overload popcorn with caramel for it to be sweet. Coating it in a dusting of sugar and cinnamon can satisfy while still being healthy.
3. Hot Chocolate
Natural cocoa powder contains flavonoids which can improve heart health, reduce blood pressure, and even lower the risk of stroke. The best part? A tablespoon of powder contains almost 2 grams of fiber and is only 12 calories!
Be sure to buy “natural” or “non-alkalized” and add it to skim or soy milk for the biggest boost in health benefits!
4. Chewing Gum
Although gum is often considered to be candy, it can help stop you from reaching for an entire bag of something else. In moderation, gum can actually be a great snack! At 5-30 calories per piece (depending on which type you choose), chewing gum too frequently can add up.
However, if you opt to chew on a piece after meals, it can help curb appetite and lead to a decreased caloric intake. While gum won’t replace meals, it can aid in portion control. It takes 20 minutes for your brain realize you’re full. Chewing a piece after dinner can hold you over until you’re not hungry.
5. Greek Yogurt
Some people prefer to go for something creamy after dinner. What if we said, you could enjoy the decadence of a dessert with added nutritional benefits?
Try Greek yogurt – it’s packed with protein and calcium and goes great with tons of healthy toppings! Add fruit for flavor, fiber, and nutrients, or some honey for a touch of sweetness and a boost to your immune system.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can be a double-edge sword; it can easily satisfy any sweet craving, but that’s because it’s still candy! However, it boasts a plethora of nutritional benefits. It contains antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce blood pressure, and even lower stress levels.
If you’re going to choose chocolate, we have a few tips to consider. When selecting a dark chocolate, find one that is 65% cocoa or higher. Don’t eat more than an ounce – this comes to be about a bite-sized piece. Anything more can lead to too many calories for too few health benefits, so enjoy in moderation!
Come to NYBG, we’d love to help you!
Even though Valentine’s Day is over, it’s important to love yourself throughout the year. If you’re looking to lose weight and keep it off, it’s time to look into NYBG. Our team of 9 surgeons boast a track record of over 15,000 successful procedures, making us one of the leading bariatric practices in the country. Our commitment to patient success ensures we utilize only the best techniques for surgical and non-surgical procedures alike. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today.
