How to Have a Sweet Tooth and Still Be Healthy

Some may think that having a sweet tooth means that it’s harder to lose weight or follow a healthy lifestyle. But we think sweet treats can be a part of anyone’s everyday foodie life; you just gotta do it the smart way. Which is exactly why we jumped at the chance to talk to the “Diet Diva” Tara Gidus, who is the host of “Emotional Mojo,” the team dietitian of the Orlando Magic and a spokesperson for ConAgra Foods. We knew she’d have fab answers to our burning sweet-tooth questions!

A Sweet Q&A With Tara Gidus

Can sugary treats be a party of a healthy diet and lifestyle? How? U.S. News & World Report just released their annual diet rankings and something many of the diets have in common is eliminating particular foods (gluten-free), eliminating groups of foods (Paleo) or even eliminating large amounts of calories (Fast Diet). While the old adage is “starve a cold, feed a fever,” really you should never starve anything, including your sweet tooth! When you’re craving a sweet snack, instead of indulging in junk food, take a look at some sensible sweets. I’d recommend David’s dark chocolate almonds. Not only do you get up to 7 grams of protein per serving, but you get the perfect taste of chocolate to go with it.
If someone has a wicked sweet tooth, what tips can you share to meet those cravings without over-indulging? A simple swap that involves portion control is all you need! For instance, you’re craving chocolate? Well, like most, we naturally think okay, I need to have a slice of chocolate cake. When really, all you need is a little taste to curb that craving. When I feel that chocolate craving coming on, I turn to Snack Pack. They come in all sorts of delicious flavors like chocolate, vanilla and caramel. The best part? Many of their flavors have 90 calories per-serving and contain as much calcium as a glass of milk! With simple swaps like this, you’ll never go hungry and your sweet tooth will thank you.
What are a few of your favorite sweet treats? For sweet treats that are kind to my taste buds ­ and kind to my waistline,­ I indulge in my 3 favorite things:

• Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa: This sensible sweet collection will warm you up on any cold day and is guilt-free! With only 26 calories per serving, there is no going wrong with this sweet treat! Top it off with some Reddi-wip, which is only 15 calories per serving and is made from real dairy cream so it is light, creamy, and has no hydrogenated oil like other whipped toppings.
• Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn: This treat is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The Smart Pop! Kettle Korn contains plenty of whole grains, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Not only is it tasty but it’s good for you too.
• Fresh fruit: I know it sounds like the answer a dietitian would give, but fresh fruit is a good way to curb your cravings for sweet. I love cherries when they are in season, plump juicy grapes, a beautifully cut mango, or some absolutely gorgeous raspberries.

Do you have any suggestions or tips for people looking to make their sweet treats healthier? For any sweet treat you crave there is always a better-for-you option! For example, if I’m craving ice cream, I grab a Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt, with 100-110 calories per cup. This way, I can indulge without the guilt. Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurts come in all sorts of flavors, but my favorite is the Caramel Swirl! Other tricks include adding fresh fruit to any of your desserts. That way you will always have something fresh and packed with nutrients, even if you are indulging in cake. So remember ladies — whether you look for a completely new product or have to add something to your dessert, follow my rule and look for the better-for-you option.
Any other thoughts or advice on sugar and sweet treats? It’s not likely practical for most people to completely cut out sugar. I will often have “real” chocolate ­daily,­ but the biggest “must” when it comes to sugar and sweet treats is to watch portions. A few bites of anything can fit, in my opinion.
We have some new sweet treats to try! What healthier fixes do you nosh on when you get the urge to splurge? —Jenn