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
Comments
As a diehard sweets-lover, I’m loving this series!
I personally like making super-chocolatey healthy muffins, with things like zucchini and Greek yogurt sub’d in for butter/oil/etc.
Though no matter how healthy I try to be, I’ll never give up my desk stash of Peppermint Patties… 😛
I have a serious sweet tooth! I don’t even like to keep candy around my house because it is too tempting for me, and all self-control is out the window once I have one piece! I do like the Swiss Miss Diet hot chocolate listed above, but artificial sweeteners upset my stomach. So, keeping in mind that I don’t like to risk overindulging by having little treats and avoiding artificial sweeteners, I like the following tricks:
1. To “trick” my sweet tooth I make snacks as I would (smoothies, coffee drinks, etc) without sugar and use a little extra vanilla or cinnamon. Same idea as the KIND nut and spice bars, which I liked – you don’t miss the sugar because there is another flavor that still satisfies your sweet tooth
2. I like to make “healthified” muffins and cookies so I can control the sugar and keep the portions small – somehow what doesn’t work with candy in terms of portion control works with muffins!
3. I also have some go-to sweet snacks that aren’t too packed with sugar – sweet-flavored rice cakes and ThinkThin new high fiber and protein bars are very good without being too sweet.
I don’t have a massive sweet tooth. I still have most of my Christmas chocolate left somehow because I really CAN stop with just one Lindor ball!
But…
I love fruity homemade smoothies in the morning. When something is that creamy and sweet and you know there’s no added sweetener in it, it’s a win-win.
I love to add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to some fruits and smoothies too, because I associate the spices with dessert, so if I’m eating something with those spices, I feel like I’m eating something decadent, even if it’s actually very healthy!
I’m also a lover of fruit tea. Some of those are wonderfully naturally sweet. I always have a large selection of teas, fruit teas and herbal teas on hand because they encourage me to drink more during the day and it keeps me away from soft drinks and sugary drinks.
Actually, I bought an apple and cinnamon fruit tea today and I think I’m in love.
Thanks for all the info. I have a horrible sweet tooth.