It happens to us all: there are those days, when you just crave everything in sight (or not in sight), and when you just can’t seem to stop at one, no matter how hard you try. And I don’t care what anybody says, on those days, just trying to forget about it and sipping tea, doesn’t work.
Instead, opt for one of these healthier options to beat your cravings without throwing your diet out of whack:
Craving ice-cream? Eat nice cream
When you are craving that smooth, creamy, ice cream indulgence, replace it with Nice Cream, which is blended bananas, with your choice of flavouring, such as vanilla, chocolate or peanut butter. You can mix it up and throw is some other frozen fruit, but the end result will be this creamy, dreamy delight that you won’t even know isn’t ice cream!
Craving salt? Eat popcorn
Homemade air popped popcorn is actually a great source of fiber. Drizzle it with a bit of coconut oil and a sprinkling of salt, and you’ll get your daily healthy fat intake, as well as beat your cravings. Just be sure though, that you are popping it yourself from the kernels, and not buying pre-packaged microwave popcorn – it often contains a lot of undesirable add-ins!
Craving crunchy? Eat almonds
Sometimes at night when I just want something crunchy and satisfying to have after dinner, I’ll grab a handful of almonds. They offer a dose of protein and healthy fats and offer the crunch and lasting taste in your mouth like chips, only they are good for you instead. If you want the salty addition, gently roast them in a bit of salt. Otherwise, raw is best, and make sure not to purchase the ones that are coated in sugar or other sauces like tamarind almonds.
Craving sweet? Eat dates
Sometimes, I have to hide the dates in my house, because if I am in a bit of a sweet craving mode, I’ll eat them like they’re candy. In reality, while dates are definitely a much healthier choice than candy or other sweets options, they are high in sugar, so cap it off at two or three. If you want a really indulgent treat, dip them in a bit of almond butter!
Craving chocolate? Eat dark chocolate
Chocolate isn’t all bad. In fact, cacao itself is very high in antioxidants and can be a great addition to a healthy diet. The issue arises when you consume chocolate that is filled with other processed ingredients. If you’re the chocolate craving type (I know I am), keep some organic dark chocolate at home, that is at least 75% cacao. This should do well to fix your craving and will give you a great antioxidant boost at the same time!
Craving carbs? Eat a rice cake
There’s something about rice cakes that always take me back to childhood, and to this day, I still love their crunchy goodness. Top it off with peanut butter or eat it plain, but this low calorie option is a great choice to keep your carb cravings at bay without sabotaging your weight loss goals!
By: Laura Peill – (Check out her blog Chronicles of Passion & Facebook)
