When the craving for sweets and snacks hits, it’s good to have healthy options on hand.
I have tried and tested a lot of low-calorie alternatives to ordinary snacks and candy. In this article I will share my insights with you, so you can stay lean while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Most of us have sedentary jobs in an office sitting behind the computer most of the day. When we get home we sit with our phones, laptops, and iPads. By living like this we do not expend the extra calories that are in all the “good stuff” we crave and often eat during the day. Over time the extra calories add up and the pants begin to tighten. Slowly, but surely.
In this section, I will go through some af the healthy snacks that I use to stay fit and lean, while still having some of life’s good things.
We will look into what they are and the benefits they offer besides being a healthier alternative when the craving comes during the day and especially at night.
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Sugar-free chewing gum is low in calories compared to regular gum that contains sugar. By opting for sugar-free varieties, you can satisfy your desire for chewing without adding extra calories to your diet. It can be a helpful tool for controlling calorie intake, particularly during times when cravings or the urge to snack strike.
Appetite Suppression
Chewing gum can help curb appetite and reduce cravings. The act of chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which can temporarily satisfy hunger and provide a sense of fullness.
Improved Oral Health
Sugar-free gum is beneficial for oral health as it stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Chewing gum after meals or snacks can aid in maintaining a clean mouth and reducing the risk of tooth decay. A healthy mouth promotes overall well-being and can support your weight loss efforts.
Increased Physical Activity
Chewing gum can provide a subtle boost to your physical activity level. It encourages jaw movement and increased energy expenditure, albeit on a small scale. Over time, these small bursts of activity can contribute to overall calorie burning and potentially assist in weight management when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Stress Relief
Chewing gum has been shown to help reduce stress and improve mood. By providing a repetitive and soothing action, it can serve as a stress-relieving mechanism, preventing stress-induced snacking or emotional eating. Managing stress is crucial for successful weight loss, and chewing gum can be a simple tool to help in this regard.
Almonds and raisins
A handful of almonds and raisins is my favorite snack when I feel low on energy and want a sweet healthy and filling snack. In our cupboard, we have a box with a bag of raisins and a bag of almonds. A quick grab and your cravings are instantly fulfilled.
Nutrient-Dense
Almonds and raisins provide a powerful combination of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, while raisins are packed with iron, potassium, and natural sugars for quick energy.
Heart Health
The healthy fats in almonds, particularly monounsaturated fats, help lower bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Raisins contain fiber and potassium, which also support healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function.
Sustained Energy
Almonds offer protein and fiber, which help maintain energy levels and keep you feeling full longer. Raisins provide a natural source of sugar for a quick energy boost, making this combination perfect for a balanced, satisfying snack.
Diet Coke / Pepsi Max
Another great trick is to have a diet coke or Pepsi max in your fridge. When opened it will retain its bubbles since the CO2 in the can is stable at lower temperatures.
It is so refreshing to sip this bubbly soft drink when the cravings come sneaking in. It is often enough to give you instant relief from thirst or the need for sugar.
Sugarfree oat porrige with nuts and raisins
Looking for a healthy meal that’s both delicious and good for a night snack? This oatmeal porridge supports maximum muscle restitution during sleep and tastes really good.
It is made from half oatmeal half müsli, added water, a pinch of salt, Sukrin Gold and after a few minutes in the microwave oven you add some oat milk.
Sukrin Gold is a natural sweetener that satisfies your sweet tooth without the extra calories. Oat milk is low in fat and rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, making it a lighter option than dairy. Finally, oatmeal and müsli add a dose of healthy carbs and protein, fueling your body with slow-releasing energy.
The slow-releasing carbohydrates in oats help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the night, preventing sleep disruptions caused by hunger or glucose spikes. Oats are rich in melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles, and they also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts serotonin production, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep.
Magnesium, which is abundant in oats, plays a critical role in calming the nervous system and reducing stress, both of which are essential for good sleep. This mineral also aids muscle recovery, making oatmeal an ideal post-exercise meal that won’t interfere with rest.
For those looking to enhance these effects, oatmeal porridge can be customized with ingredients like bananas, almonds, or honey, which further promote relaxation and recovery. Adding cinnamon can also regulate blood sugar while giving the porridge a comforting flavor. By incorporating oatmeal into your evening routine, you can promote better sleep, support muscle recovery, and wake up feeling more refreshed and restored.
Take away
Incorporating sugar-free snacks into your diet can help you stay lean while maintaining healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. In addition to providing nutritional benefits, these snacks can help control calorie intake, curb appetite, promote oral health, and provide stress relief. It’s important to note, however, that healthy snacks alone are not a magic solution. They should be combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits. Nevertheless, they can make it much easier to stay on track and be the best version of yourself!