Sweet Swaps for your Sweet Tooth

Craving for sugar?  Do you always have a candy bar handy to ward off your afternoon slump?  I get that all the time.  Because of my sweet tooth, I have been searching for ways to get rid of sugar cravings – something a little far-fetched and a feat that I’m so sure I will never be able to conquer.  And so if you’re just like me and you just can’t get enough of sweet treats and are willing to look for healthier substitutes for sugar and eventually get rid of your sugar cravings, then here are some healthy alternatives you can try to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Fruits

This should not surprise you.  Certain fruits contain sugar and are also packed with the right kind of nutrients that will certainly satisfy your cravings for sweets.  If you want to get rid of your sugar cravings, simply stock up on fruits – fresh or dried– and keep them handy.  This is the best option to stop your craving while ensuring that your body gets all the nutrients it needs for the rest of the day.

Gum

It’s not the best option but can definitely do something about your sweet tooth. If grabbing your favorite candy bar seems too impossible to avoid, then always bring with you a pack of sugar-free gum that you can pop in your mouth.  Research shows that chewing gum can temporarily ward off your cravings for sweets.

Honey

Looking for something to sweeten your tea or any of your baked goods?  Honey can be a great option.  Although honey contains calories that you’ve to be mindful of, it also comes with vitamins and minerals.  Want to know more?  Honey doesn’t raise your blood sugar as fast as any of those sweeteners you see around you.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is almost as sweet as sugar.  It’s commonly found in foods such as corn, berries, and beets.  Because xylitol is a sugar alcohol, it’s something that the body cannot fully digest, which is why it’s a good alternative for your sweets.  And xylitol can also be found in some sugar-free gums.

Agave Nectar

Another alternative that doesn’t raise blood sugar as fast as other sweeteners is agave nectar, which is actually great for your coffee or tea.  It can be used for baking, too, although you might have to make a few revisions to your recipe and the heat from your oven.  Because it tastes sweeter than honey or regular sugar, you can actually use less of it.

Well, technically there’s nothing wrong with sugar.  When taken in moderation, I’m sure you’ll do just fine.  But when your body feels the need to be rewarded and craves for anything sweet that makes you binge and overeat, then it’s definitely something worth looking into.  Try these alternatives that will make those cravings go away without causing so much harm.  Good luck!