No matter how much willpower you think you have, it’s inevitable that eventually, your mind or body will begin to crave something that you term “bad” or “off limits”, and your taste buds will urge you to give in.
Whether you live for salty foods, savor the sour stuff or go insane for sweets, if you don’t find some way to satisfy your craving Gods, you’ll likely become obsessed with the very idea of cheating and fall way off the wagon completely. While there is no “good” or “bad” foods, we can make better choices to feel better both physically and mentally.
The good news is that there are tons of snack options out there that can be both satisfying and healthy. By incorporating the treats into your diet, you not only eliminate bad eating habits but will also establish a healthier relationship with food.
Here are some options to satisfy both your cravings and your waistline!
Salty sensations:
Popcorn – popcorn is not only a surefire way to kill your salty cravings, but it’s also healthy! Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you head off to see your favorite flick and order a large popcorn with extra butter. What I am suggesting is that you visit your local grocery store and pop up a bag of low fat, microwave popcorn. Need butter? No worries! Look in the butter aisle for the I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter spray butter or sprinkle butter seasoning flakes. Both will flavor your popcorn for almost no fat or calories additions.
Edamame with sea salt – These yummy little pods pack a double punch of protein and fiber! When warmed up and sprinkled with sea salt, they taste like a naughty treat but are in fact crazy healthy. At 190 calories per cup, they totally kill your salty cravings without killing your diet and keep you nice and full.
Savor the Sour:
Greek yogurt – Not only is Greek yogurt packed with good bacteria that keeps you healthy, it’s also super high in protein. At around 15 grams of protein per 6 oz. serving, this healthy treat will pucker your pout and keep you feeling full for hours. Add some jello pudding mix, protein powder or fruit to it!
Cherries – Sure, cherries are a tantalizing tart treat, but did you know that they are also amazing for you? Cherries have been proven to contain antioxidants that strengthen your immune system, fight cancer, reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, and even help with osteoarthritis.
Sweet sensations:
Strawberries with low fat chocolate sauce – Okay, so usually you may think of chocolate covered strawberries as a snack you enjoy at the end of a date night, but I swear – they’re just as amazing when you’re solo! Slice up some fresh strawberries and drizzle with low fat or sugar-free chocolate syrup and you’ll be drowning in deliciousness for a fraction of the calorie count in a candy bar.
Chocolate chip stuffed raspberries – This is a simple but amazing option! Just grab a handful of raspberries and a handful or dark chocolate chips. Simply place a chip in the raspberry and voila – an instant sweet treat for your taste buds!
So the next time your cravings have you on the edge of diet destruction, try one of these healthy options. Not only will they help keep cravings at bay, they’ll also keep you on track with your healthy habits!
Visit my Shop to learn about my nutrition plans that are based on flexible dieting where there are no foods are off limits. You CAN enjoy these and all other types of foods AND still lose weight and reach your health and fitness goals.
