We all get the occasional (okay fine, the everyday) sweet tooth. But too many sweets can leave you feeling jittery one second, sluggish the next, and all-around unhealthy. It’s okay to indulge sometimes, but there are healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth than the doughnuts your coworker left in the kitchen this morning.
Here are some delicious and nutritious ways to get your sugar fix:
Dark Chocolate – Finally, an excuse to eat chocolate on the daily! Chocolate with a cocoa content higher than 70% contains fiber and valuable minerals such as iron, magnesium, and manganese. Studies have shown that dark chocolate may even lower blood pressure and, when enjoyed regularly long-term, reduce the risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate can still be high in calories and sugar though, so enjoy in moderation.
Fruit – We couldn’t talk about healthy sweets without including ThirdLeaf NW’s favorite way to snack. Fruit is one of the most convenient sweet snacks around, plus it’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Enjoy it fresh, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or frozen. Some of our favorite snacks are frozen grapes and baked apple chips.
If you have extra time on your hands, try making apple nachos! Simply slice up an apple, lay the slices out on a plate, and top with your favorite additions like nut butter, caramel, and chocolate chips.
Coffee – A little creamer never hurt anybody, right? While some of you may be in the 35% of people who prefer their coffee black, most of you are probably cream-and-sugar fans. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get carried away with the sugar dispenser from time to time.
Go easy on the creamer, and maybe try substituting your regular creamer for a non-dairy option. Be on the lookout for new pumpkin spice creamer in your ThirdLeaf NW office delivery! Cut sugar at home and at coffee shops with sugar alternatives like all-natural stevia sweetener and sugar-free syrup. You’ll get the same great flavor without the extra sugar and calories.
Greek yogurt parfait – Yogurt and granola are a match made in heaven. Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics that support gut health, while whole grain granola provides fiber and healthy fats. Together, they create a filling snack that is loaded with vitamins and nutrients.
The fun doesn’t stop there! No parfait is complete without fresh or frozen fruit. Other great toppings include nut butter, honey, and nuts. Plain Greek yogurt is a blank canvas for parfait greatness, so get creative mixing and matching your favorite flavors!
Popsicles – Healthy frozen dessert might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s possible, and it’s delicious! Try freezing your favorite fruit juice or smoothie recipe as pops. You can even transform your Greek yogurt parfaits into frozen treats by layering the ingredients into a popsicle mold. The possibilities are endless!