Cravings happen, but they can often be explained and handled by feeding the root cause of the issue. It can be hard to stick with moderation when the intense cravings strike, so it’s generally better not to give in to the extreme ones and go with something that’s not going to completely ruin your diet. Here are some snack alternatives for when your serious cravings hit.
When You’re Craving Chips…
Don’t eat potato chips. This crunchy and salty craving can be handled with some way healthier alternatives. One is air popped popcorn, that you can lightly salt or season with the seasoning of your choice. Air popping it yourself means that you’re in control and that there’s no butter added, saving you a ton of fat and other additives that you don’t need. Popcorn is a low calorie, high volume food, so you can feel like you’re eating a ton and still keep your overall calorie count low.
Nuts are also a good alternative to a chip craving, and you can even toss some of them into a bowl of popcorn. Nuts not only give you that crunchy thing, but they are filling with healthy fats and can stop cravings by filling you up. Seaweed snacks are another good option that are really low in calories but plenty salty.
When You’re Craving Candy Bars…
Leave them on the shelf. Instead of a fatty candy bar opt for a few pieces of dark chocolate or cacao nibs to calm the craving. You will still get the chocolatey sweet taste, but with in a more whole state and less fat and added dairy. Protein bars are another great option because they are made to taste like candy bars, but sometimes have no sugar and are also high in protein. Getting the protein will fill you up and stop the craving in its tracks.
When You’re Craving Ice Cream…
Ice cream is a unique treat because it’s sweet and cold. It’s also full of a lot of fat. When ice cream cravings strike you would always be better off going with some frozen yogurt or sorbet, simply to cut the fat content. You can also make a protein shake and pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to cool it down. It’s not exactly the same, but it can still give you that sweet flavor that you’re craving while also filling you up.
Another option for a sweet dessert is making baked cinnamon apples with a topping of Greek yogurt. You can even make these in the microwave if you’re pressed for time, all you need to do is core and slice up an apple, sprinkle it with cinnamon, and pop it in the microwave for ten seconds to heat it up. The heat of the apples with the coolness of the Greek yogurt will make it feel like a filling dessert with ingredients that are actually good for you. The fiber in the apple will help to keep you full and won’t leave you wanting more.
Part of the ice cream craving is the coldness, I try to do to yogurt instead
I think dried green beans actually taste a lot like french fries for real. It’s a little weird of a comparison but its true