Sweet Tooth: Substitute It!

Sometimes, you can find a lower calorie option to satisfy your sweet craving. Note: Desserts are typically never “healthier” (unless it’s fruit) in terms of nutrition, but you can choose options with less calories and fat. Some examples:

· Low fat/no sugar added pudding or jello

· Hot chocolate

· Make substitutions in your baking: applesauce for oil, splenda/truvia for sugar, etc.

· Chocolate milk (skim milk, add no-sugar chocolate syrup)

· Fruit

Trickery

These tricks can you with any of the above approaches to controlling your intake of sweets. Usually a craving will pass if you can postpone 20-30 minutes.

· Distract yourself with an activity: take a walk, play the Wii, call a friend, paint your nails, read a magazine

· Drink a big glass of water, add some lemon or mint or a cup of hot tea

· Chew gum or brush your teeth

So what is your preferred approach for controlling cravings for sweets? Avoid, control, or substitute? I would love to hear what has worked best for you!