When making healthy food choices, most people know they should be eating more vegetables and fruits. And in terms of choosing a sweet, most people think that the most profitable choice is something like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. However, there are lots of healthy sweets out there that are just as delicious as the unhealthy options. You just need to know what to look for. Here are some tips for making good decisions in terms of eating sweets:
Choose Dark Chocolate
If you want to enjoy chocolate, try to choose the darkest option. Dark chocolate is not only lower in sugar than milk chocolate, but also contains beneficial compounds such as flavonoids and antioxidants. These compounds can help improve your heart health and protect your cells from damage. When buying dark chocolate, make sure to check the label to ensure it contains at least 70% cocoa. Fortunately, some of the most popular chocolate brand offers dark chocolate options with 80% or even 90% cocoa. And if you want more benefits, look for brands that use fair-trade or organic cocoa beans.
Avoid Processed and Refined Sugar
When it comes to candy, one of the worst offenders is refined sugar. Not only does it haven’t any nutritional value, but it can even cause a number of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It also feeds candida yeast, which can cause fatigue and other problems. So, when choosing sweets, try to avoid anything that contains refined or processed sugar. Instead, choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can even use fruit to add sweetness to your dishes without having to depend on refined sugar. Dates and bananas are great choices. You may additionally want to check the labels of your favourite foods to see if they contain hidden sugars such as dextrose, sucrose, or high fructose corn syrup.
Consider the Glycemic Index
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises your blood sugar level. Foods that have a high glycemic index are typically unhealthy because they cause spikes in your blood sugar, which can lead to cravings and overeating. On the other hand, foods with a low glycemic index are absorbed slowly by your body and do not cause those spikes. So, when choosing sweets, try to choose options that have a low glycemic index. Some good examples include dark chocolate, berries and apples. You can even look for recipes that use ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour which have a lower glycemic index than traditional flours.
Get your Sweet Fix from Whole Foods
Whenever possible, try to get your sweet tooth from whole foods rather than processed snacks or desserts. This way, you will get the nutrients your body needs together with the sweet taste you crave. Some great options include fruit, yogurt, dark chocolate and honey. You can even make healthy snacks and desserts using recipes that use healthy ingredients. For example, you can make a fruit salad with yogurt and honey or make a gluten-free cake using almond flour. And if you are vegan, you can find lots of delicious plant-based sweets made with ingredients like coconut milk, dates and cocoa powder.
Limit Your Intake
Of course, even the healthiest candy should be eaten moderately. So enjoy your favourite treats, ensuring to limit your intake to one or two servings. And if it is your first time trying sweets, it is best to start small to see how your body reacts. remember, it is important to listen to your body and eat mindfully. This way, you can enjoy the sweet taste without having to worry about the negative consequences. However, if you have diabetes or another condition that requires you to limit your sugar intake, it is crucial to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian to find out what is right for you.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Despite what many people think, artificial sweeteners aren’t a healthy alternative to sugar. Some studies have even linked it to weight gain and other health problems. So, when choosing sweet foods, you should avoid foods that contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. Instead, choose natural alternatives like honey or stevia. Or if you want to use artificial sweeteners, choose those that have been deemed safe by the FDA, such as Splenda or Truvia. Remember that even this should be used moderately. And if you do not have diabetes or another condition that requires you to limit your sugar intake, it is best to stick with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
As you can see, eating sweets does not must be unhealthy. Be sure to choose wisely and limit your intake. And by keeping these tips in mind, it will be easier than ever to healthily satisfy your sweet tooth. However, if you have diabetes or another condition that requires you to limit your sugar intake, it’s best to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian to find out what is right for you.
