Healthy alternatives

**Ashley01** · 04-12-2011, 10:44 AM

I'm looking for some healthy alternatives to help with my sweet tooth. Every afternoon when the kids are sleeping and evening after dd is in bed all I want are sweets. Chocolate is the worst, and I'm not the type that could eat just a few candies I'd want to eat them all lol so what are some healthier things I can get to fulfill my craving without packing on the pounds? Is there anything?

**madhen** · 04-12-2011, 11:01 AM

I'm a big fan of fruit. Sweet cherries, grapes, or bananas. Get something easy to eat, that you don't have to cut or peel. (Bananas peel easily, so they don't count.) I buy the bags of pitted dark cherries and pop them in the freezer. They are like little cherry popsicles, but bite-sized.

If you MUST have chocolate, there are some tasty trail mixes that aren't horrible, calorie-wise. They also fill you up with some more healthy choices, includind dehydrated fruits and whole grains, with just a sprinking of chocolate or carob chips for that bit of decadence.

**nodmicks** · 04-12-2011, 11:32 AM

One of my favorites is berries (any type) with a little real cream whirled in the blender. It is thick and creamy like a fruit ice cream!

**dancemommy** · 04-12-2011, 11:57 AM

Try a real fruit popsicle. Or we do smoothies with greek yogurt, a little milk and frozen fruit. I know- I have the sweet tooth too...its a daily battle!

**joyofsix** · 04-12-2011, 12:23 PM

For me salty is the problem but for when I do want chocolate I buy 25 calorie hot cocoa. A cupful seems to quell that need. Swiss Miss, Carnation and Kroger are all brands I've liked.

**FrabjousDay** · 04-12-2011, 01:29 PM

One of my favorite afternoon treats is a toasted English muffin topped with a little peanut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips.

**MsMarieH** · 04-12-2011, 03:54 PM

I just love this version of Watergate salad! It's one box of sugar free pistachio pudding (not made), one 16 oz. carton of fat free yogurt, and one 16 ounce can of crushed pineapple with juice all mixed together. Put it in the fridge for a bit to get cold and let the flavors meld. Even if you ate the whole darn thing, it's not really all that unhealthy for you and it is DELICIOUS!

**Libby** · 04-12-2011, 06:01 PM

Really cold and fresh grapes, some others here have suggested eating them frozen so its like a treat.

I also like a nice ice cold juicy orange. Its sweet, cold and juicy so its like a treat.

Last resort: chocolate: 1oz (1 lg square) of really really dark chocolate.(70% cocoa + higher) Place it on tongue and let it melt vs chewing and gobbling it up and not really getting to taste it. Apparently studies have shown that some are more satiated with the one piece of dark chocolate vs a lot of milk chocolate. I'm going to warrant a guess that its all dependent on each persons preference though

**Contrary Housewife** · 04-12-2011, 06:06 PM

I enjoy squares of high quality dark chocolate. Get something that is 65% or higher in cocoa, it will say on the label. They run $3-4 a bar so the price alone will keep you from gobbling it. The chocolate is richer, less sugary, and I find it more satisfying than cheap candy bars.

I'll second hot cocoa. Even the regular kind is only about 80 calories and low in fat. It's warm and satisfying and really gives you a full feeling.

Lately I'm drinking instant lattes. They feel so indulgent. With low fat milk it is 150 calories per glass, and like the cocoa gives a full satisfying feeling. Plus, the milk adds protein.

I've found that eating more protein during the day helps me feel full longer, and less likely to snack in the mid afternoon.

**krbshappy71** · 04-12-2011, 07:07 PM

My bedtime treat has been 1 cup whole-grain oatmeal (not instant), 1 cup water, with 1 cup frozen blueberries on top, nuke it for 2 minutes, stir, nuke again for a bit, maybe a minute.

The oatmeal really helps fill me up to stop those munchies. The blueberries hit my sweet tooth. You can find large bags of blueberries at Costco, one big bag lasts me a long time.

**acidcookie** · 04-12-2011, 09:23 PM

Often my "dessert" is low fat yogurt (I mix half each of vanilla and plain so it's sweet but not too sweet) with low fat granola. I keep it to 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/4 granola so it's just about 200 calories.

**Ashley01** · 04-13-2011, 11:18 AM

I'm going to do my grocery shopping and pick up some of these things tomorrow! Im trying really hard to make healthier choices.

**ShadowMom** · 04-13-2011, 02:10 PM

In the warm weather I get my chocolate fix with sugar free fudgcicles, in the cold weather it is the 25 calorie hot chocolate. (I'm a chocoholic).

**cab54** · 04-23-2011, 10:53 AM

Is it healthy you're looking for , or stuff to help you lose weight? Food can be healthy, but not necessarily low cal.

I like dates. Just regular dried dates. Not too many though...they can be a bit of a bowel stimulant, KWIM?

**Spirit Deer** · 04-23-2011, 11:11 AM

Food cravings are often triggered by habits. You are in the habit of having sweets when the kids are napping. That's what triggers the cravings.

Do you limit sweets for the kids and then indulge in them when the kids aren't around? Could that be a trigger? No judgments, just thinking about why you may be having the urge to eat sweets at that particular time. Maybe you'd be better off to have a sweet treat with the kids, which may limit how much of it you eat yourself if you're setting a good example. Then when they're napping, treat yourself in a non-food way by reading a book, working on a hobby you enjoy, or some other quiet activity you don't usually have time for.

Changing the habit completely might be a better idea. Just a thought.