Are you experiencing food cravings? If yes, this article is for you.
Cravings often have to do with the texture of crunchy or creamy foods. People judge foods and like or dislike them based on their textures. For example, you may enjoy eating freshly cooked peas for their crunchiness while disliking canned peas due to their mushy texture.
Healthy foods and snacks vary in flavors and textures, so you will not fail to find something to eat or include in your diet in the texture or flavor you like. However, you can easily develop cravings for unhealthy foods. This is even more true if you’re on a weight loss diet.
Even when you have cravings, you’re allowed to indulge in eating healthy foods. Some healthy substitutions to beat your cravings may include:
Vegetable Chips
Opt for vegetable chips if you crave potato chips. Just like their counterparts made from potatoes, you can find veggie chips made from vegetables such as kale, beets, seaweed, or parsnips.
However, commercial vegetable chips brands contain high amounts of salt, calories, and fat, like potato chips. Findan easy recipe to help you prepare healthy, low-calorie snacks from home.
Greek Yogurt
The creamy texture of Greek yogurt makes it tasty and healthy. The dairy product is low in sugar and high in proteins, unlike ordinary yogurt.
Greek yogurt is rich in vitamins B, calcium, good bacteria, and other essential nutrients. As a result, it’s beneficial for both digestive and bone health. Top up your Greek yogurt with fruits such as strawberries for added benefits and better health.
Dark Chocolate
Replace your regular milk chocolate with small amounts of dark chocolate consisting of 70% cocoa. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
However, you must eat your food or dark chocolate in small portions for optimal health benefits. Large amounts of chocolates can add more sugar into your diet and lack similar protective effects. Take a small pinch or bar of dark chocolate to curb your craving,
Fresh Fruits
Fruits are natural, nutritious, healthy, and sweet, making them ideal substitutions for curbing sugar cravings. They also taste great and provide antioxidants, prebiotic fiber, important plant compounds, and low calories.
Research shows that fruits can reduce your risk for certain diseases such as obesity and heart disease and improve your overall health. Eat four servings (or 300 grams) of fruits daily to reduce your risk of heart conditions by up to 16%.
Mix fruits and dark chocolate in a bowl for a delightful treat that curbs cravings.
Banana Ice Cream
Prepare homemade banana ice cream to beat your craving for sweet or creamy ice cream. Peel and cut ripe bananas into small pieces and run them in your food processor or blender. Freeze your blended bananas for about an hour.
Unlike ordinary ice cream, this one is rich in flavors and fibers—and low in calories. Mix your creamy banana ice cream with other fruits, milk, or spices for added flavor.
Contact us at MediPlan Diet Services in Tennessee or Mississippi to learn more about food cravings and how to overcome them the healthy way. Call us at (901) 362-7546 today to find out about our programs.