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Finding sweet treats that are healthy and satisfying can be a difficult balance to strike. However, there are many health-conscious alternatives nowadays, so you and your loved ones can have your cake and eat it too. It’s time to curb your sweet tooth with a few easy and healthy snack options. When those inevitable sugar cravings hit, choosing healthier but delicious options can help you stay on track with your nutrition and diet goals. It’s a commonly known fact that consuming too much of anything, especially sugar, leads to higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammation in the body.
In fact, the average American consumes 77 grams of sugar each day, which is more than three times the amount set by the American Heart Association. That’s why it is recommended to choose sweet treats with low added sugar, along with a balance of protein and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day. No sugar rushes or crashes here! And these days, we’re practically spoiled with options that are as healthy as they are delicious. Read on for a round-up of the best healthy sweets you can make to satisfy your sugar cravings.
Keto-friendly chocolate cookies
We all love the ooey-gooey chocolate and buttery base of the traditional chocolate chip cookie. And now there are great alternatives to substitute in and get the satisfying sweetness of chocolate without as many grams of sugar or carbs. You can find keto-friendly chocolate chips on the market to add to your classic cookies. They taste and melt the same, so you’re getting the same bang for your buck; even healthier too!
Cinnamon chocolate popcorn
Popcorn is known to be a fan favorite, plus it is full of fiber. Transform this into a salty sweet creation by giving it a light dusting of cooking spray and adding 1 tsp of sugar and one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon per four cups of regular popcorn. Take your keto-friendly chocolate chips and melt them down. Then take a spoon and drizzle all the chocolate you desire.
Banana raspberry smoothie
Fruit smoothies are packed with important nutrients and antioxidants that our bodies need to function on a daily basis. Plus, these sweet and tangy concoctions often contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats, resulting in an incredibly balanced snack that is sure to hit the spot. What’s even better is that raspberries have one of the highest amounts of fiber of all berries. And with their tart sweetness comes a surprisingly low amount of sugar. They are also filled to the brim with Vitamin C and potassium. And bananas are a healthy no-brainer. In particular, vitamin B6, C, and magnesium are important nutrients and minerals that keep the body running,
Fruit with melted chocolate
Although simple, dipping tart, tangy, and sweet fruit—like strawberries, mango, and pineapple—into chocolate is a decadent treat that will satisfy any and all ages. All you have to do is slice up some of your favorite fruits, and melt down some keto-friendly chocolate chips, and there you have it—a quick and easy snack.
Banana chocolate “ice cream”
This treat is incredibly simple to make and is also free of dairy. Similar to the taste and texture of real ice cream, this frozen treat is made up of bananas that have been thoroughly frozen with a but of nut milk and blended up. Overripe bananas are a helpful choice here because they will taste sweeter and they may be easier to digest since the resistant starch is more broken down when bananas are ripened. Add some keto-friendly chocolate chips, berries, or some cinnamon and shaved coconut to add some extra flavor.
Chocolate avocado mousse
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate mousse? A healthy twist on a classic chocolate-y dessert, this recipe is full of magnesium from the cacao, along with heart-healthy fats and fiber from its avocado base. It helps that this sweet treat takes only minutes to prepare. Use unsweetened cocoa powder or melt down your keto-friendly chocolate chips to avoid unnecessary added sugar.
Homemade fruit leather
You may be familiar with Fruit Roll-Ups from early childhood. Sweet and fruity, you can make homemade fruit roll-ups, also known as fruit leather, that will bring you back to the good old days. Plus, you only need three key ingredients: your choice of fruit, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. It also will yield a large batch of fruity treats that can last up to two weeks when stored properly in the fridge.
Oatmeal raisin protein balls
These are great for when you don’t feel like baking at all. All you need are your hands and a fridge to chill them. These taste like moist, delicious oatmeal raisin cookies, but with a healthy balance of nut butter, coconut, dates, and other dried fruit, these are packed with protein and nutrients. Pop them in your mouth as a quick pick-me-up or toss them in your snack bag for breakfast.