Can't stop craving for candies? Here are five healthy alternatives
Sure candies are fun, delicious, utterly sweet, and super tempting. But on the flip side, they are also loaded with excessive amount of sugar, artificial flavors, food dyes, and other additives, while offering very little nutrition. Moreover, they might even increase your risk of health issues like cavities, obesity and type-2 diabetes. Hence, here are five healthy alternatives to candy you should try.
Unlike candies that are filled with artificial flavors and additives, fresh fruits are naturally sweet. Plus, they are quite hydrating and amazingly nutritious- they are loaded with fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So, include more and more of berries, apples, bananas, kiwis, and other healthy fruits in your diet to satisfy your taste buds.
What makes air-popped corn a great replacement for candy is that it is free from sugar and fat, and quite low on calories. That means you can munch on as many of them as you want to, without having to worry about gaining unwanted weight or acquiring health conditions. Not only that, popcorn also contains good amount of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Although lacking on hydration quotient, dried fruit is one of the best ways to let go of health-deteriorating candies. We say so because it is filling, naturally sweet, and pack plenty of nutrients. However, since most dried fruits are calorie-dense, just be mindful of the portions. Also, while buying - make sure that your packets don't contain any additional sugars or other additives.
If you had a choice between candy and less unhealthy candy - you'd better go for the latter one. That's why we recommend munching on dark chocolate, when you have a sugar craving the next time. Filled with cocoa, dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron, copper and zinc. Yes, you're safe. What's more? It is also known to boost mood.
Last but not the least is sweet potato. As the name suggests, sweet potatoes are - well, sweet, but in a healthy way. Also, they happen to be quite filling and highly nutritious. In fact, they are filled with carbs, fiber, essential vitamins including A and C, minerals, potassium, and others nutrients. So boil or roast some today, to reap their many health benefits.
