If you love sugary sweets you’re not alone. Sugar is one of those tempting foods that most of us adore—especially children! Sweet, satisfying, and delicious, processed white sugar is a treat, but with all its ups, it also comes with plenty of downs—especially since it can weaken our body’s immune systems.
As with anything, the less you have, the less you crave. So it is with processed sugar. The less you eat, the less you want. If you want to cut down or help your child cut down on sugar, here are a few good alternatives.
Nut Butters to the Rescue
Naturally rich and creamy, and packed with protein and healthy fats, nut butters have a satisfying taste. You can find healthy brands (without any added fats or sugars), including peanut, almond, cashew, and sunflower seed butter, at most supermarkets and health food stores. Try spreading nut butter on apple slices, celery sticks, or whole grain crackers. For added sweetness, sprinkle a few raisins on top.
Frozen Grape Sorbet Bliss Bites
Grapes are one of the sweetest fruits out there. They’re t like candy but also contain antioxidants and all kinds of minerals. When they’re frozen, they taste even sweeter and more delicious—almost like sorbet. To freeze, simply rinse, pluck from their stems, pat dry, and put them in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Be as creative as you like with this pretty and yummy snack. In a clear glass, or parfait cup, layer unsweetened Greek yogurt with berries, or your favorite fruit, like cherries, mango, or bananas. You can alternate the berries with layers of walnuts, chopped dates, roasted almonds, or coconut. If you’re a chocolate lover, try unsweetened cacao nibs or carob chips as an alternative. Drizzle honey on top as a little added decadence if you like, and voilà.
Have a Smoothie Party!
When you feel like caving and eating ice cream, but you know it’s not going to make you feel great, have your own smoothie party. Celebrate and enjoy the abundance of natural sweetness that Mother Nature has to offer and feel good doing it. There are so many good smoothies recipes, here are a couple of ideas:
