How to satisfy a sweet tooth in a healthy way
How to satisfy a sweet tooth in a healthy way
January is the perfect month to start developing healthier habits, with the new year signalling signals a fresh start. If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself craving sugar just a couple of weeks into the month, this list of healthy alternatives should help.
January is the perfect month to start developing healthier habits, with the new year signalling signals a fresh start. If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself craving sugar just a couple of weeks into the month, this list of healthy alternatives should help.
10 Healthy Alternatives to Help Avoid Sugar
This list of savoury and naturally sweet alternatives will help make meals taste sweeter and help you curb those sugar cravings.
- Sweet potato
- Meat and fish
- Lentils and chickpeas
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Honey
- Nuts
- Prunes
- Coconut
How Does it Work?
Each of these foods has their own way of combating sugar cravings. Some foods can keep you satisfied for longer after meals, meaning you won't be quick to grab a sweet snack for dessert.
For example, sweet potatoes, avocados and nuts can be a great carb source and contain healthy fats that make you feel fuller for longer, especially in between meals when you're low on energy and crave sugar. According to a 2019 study, replacing carbs with avocado in meals can help to increase satisfaction and fullness.
Sweet potatoes are great for adding a sweet taste to meals too, meaning you can still satisfy your sweet tooth. Both nuts and sweet potato are easy to add into your daily routine, whether that be an Asian-Style Salmon & Sweet Potato Salad for lunch, or Honey, Thyme & Sesame Haloumi with Roast Veggie Toss & Walnuts for your evening dinner.
For example, sweet potatoes, avocados and nuts can be a great carb source and contain healthy fats that make you feel fuller for longer, especially in between meals when you're low on energy and crave sugar. According to a 2019 study, replacing carbs with avocado in meals can help to increase satisfaction and fullness.
Sweet potatoes are great for adding a sweet taste to meals too, meaning you can still satisfy your sweet tooth. Both nuts and sweet potato are easy to add into your daily routine, whether that be an Asian-Style Salmon & Sweet Potato Salad for lunch, or Honey, Thyme & Sesame Haloumi with Roast Veggie Toss & Walnuts for your evening dinner.
Low levels of protein in your meals and snacks can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate. This means that your body will crave a quick fix in the form of sugary treats. Studies have shown that adding more protein to your diet may help reduce sugar cravings.
There are lots of ways to add protein into your meals throughout the day. An easy solution is meat and fish as they provide lots of protein and can be included into exciting evening meals like this Korean Pork Bimbimbap. However, protein doesn't just have to come from meat. Adding more lentils, chickpeas and beans to your meals dishes is a great way to add extra plant-based protein to combat sugar cravings. Alternatively you could try other high protein sources such as yogurt and eggs.
Go even further by combining some of the foods above into your recipes, like this Beef Koftas & Couscous Tabbouleh with Lemon Yoghurt recipe which gives you the high protein and healthy fats you need to avoid sweet foods.
There are lots of ways to add protein into your meals throughout the day. An easy solution is meat and fish as they provide lots of protein and can be included into exciting evening meals like this Korean Pork Bimbimbap. However, protein doesn't just have to come from meat. Adding more lentils, chickpeas and beans to your meals dishes is a great way to add extra plant-based protein to combat sugar cravings. Alternatively you could try other high protein sources such as yogurt and eggs.
Go even further by combining some of the foods above into your recipes, like this Beef Koftas & Couscous Tabbouleh with Lemon Yoghurt recipe which gives you the high protein and healthy fats you need to avoid sweet foods.
There are healthy foods that provide a sweet flavour that you can have throughout the day as an alternative. Incorporating a little bit of honey into your meals is a great way to get that sweet taste you’re looking for without reaching for a bag of lollies or unhealthy snacks! You can also add coconut milk to meals to add sweetness. Popularly used in curries, coconut milk is also a great way to add healthy fats into your diet. Try this Thai Red Tofu & Veggie Curry for a delicious coconut milk curry.
Eating dried fruit is another great alternative because they are very sweet but also full of fibre which helps aid digestion. This means that adding them to your meals can be a healthier way to avoid sugary sweets and deserts. A popular way to eat dried fruits is to add some to your cereal for breakfast, however you can also try adding them to savoury dishes such as this Moroccan Honey-Glazed Chicken with Jewelled Carrot Couscous & Mint Yoghurt.
Eating dried fruit is another great alternative because they are very sweet but also full of fibre which helps aid digestion. This means that adding them to your meals can be a healthier way to avoid sugary sweets and deserts. A popular way to eat dried fruits is to add some to your cereal for breakfast, however you can also try adding them to savoury dishes such as this Moroccan Honey-Glazed Chicken with Jewelled Carrot Couscous & Mint Yoghurt.