Trending 29th September 2015 by Online editors

10 Ways To Indulge Your Sweet Tooth Without Ruining Your Diet

Adiós sugar-loaded, calorie-packed snacks. We've got your sweet tooth covered.

Here at STELLAR, we’ve always been the kind of people who need something sweet after dinner. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just something to satisfy those sugar cravings. But sticking to just a small, sweet snack can be tricky and, well, downright boring.

So we set ourselves the task of scouting out some saintlier offerings. Though all of these snacks contain some sugar, we aimed to find lower-sugar options that offer something beneficial, whether it be a sneaky superfood (like strawberries and grapes) or additional nutrients like fibre or protein.

So here are 10 less guilty ways to indulge that nagging sweet tooth of yours.

1. Some like it hot

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When a cold snack just won’t do, bake up some fruit — sans the buttery pie crust. It’s as easy as popping some berries, pears, or apples into the oven (or even the microwave) with a touch of maple syrup, and cinnamon sprinkled over the top. When it’s finished, add a small sprinkling of granola or nuts to give the illusion of a crust. This treat is easy to make ahead and reheat, or whip up in an instant right when you want it. Bon Appetit!

2. Smoothie central

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Shake

If you’re craving something rich and creamy like a milkshake, a smoothie makes a healthier option. To give fruit smoothies a more creamy consistency, add protein powder, yogurt, or soy milk. Got a chocolate craving? Go for this chocolate peanut butter banana shake. Yummy!

3. Creamy cravings

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If frozen fruit just won’t cut it, and you know ice cream is too high in fat and calories, frozen yogurt makes a great alternative. You can make these 30-calorie frozen yogurt cups for a quick creamy treat.

4. Frozen chocolate banana

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This is the perfect frozen sweet treat with some extra nutritional punch! Bananas are a great source of vitamins C and B6, and are also packed with fibre and potassium. Peel a banana, cut into two equal halves, and freeze. Once solid, take out and roll in melted dark chocolate. While the chocolate’s still melty, roll in whichever crunchy topping you like—sprinkles, nuts, and granola all work well. Return to the freezer until the chocolate is set.

5. All fruit ice pops

Fruit Ice Pops

There’s no added sugar in these sweet and cool treats. Simply puree watermelon chunks and some lime juice, freeze, and enjoy. If watermelon’s not your thing, try any other juicy fruit: Pears, peaches, or berries with a touch of apple juice for base will all make great pops.

6. Nutella yogurt dip with fruit

creamy nutella fruit dip

This is a healthier take on chocolate fondue. Instead of pure chocolate, mix Nutella with Greek yogurt and use as a dip with some fresh fruit or low-sugar cookies or crackers.

7. Dark chocolate

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Need a chocolate hit? Not any old chocolate bar will send you to healthful heaven, so obvs the dark kind is our new favorite superfood. Dark chocolate (think more than 70 percent cocoa), which lacks all the added fat and sugar of classic milk chocolate, can actually be a healthy treat in moderation. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and can even help regulate levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

8. Frozen grapes

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This super simple sweet snack will kick most sugar cravings in the butt. To make yourself a healthy stash, pop a vine in the freezer for a few hours and out comes a long-lasting, slightly sweet treat packed with antioxidants and other nutrients. #winning. The biggest health boost? Resveratrol, which studies suggest may help lower levels of LDL cholesterol and promote blood vessel health.

9. Fruit and cottage cheese

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Not only does this option satisfy a sweet tooth, it provides a perfect serving of filling protein, too. If plain fruit isn’t sweet enough, try drizzling with honey or mixing in a teaspoon of cocoa powder. This is another fairly easy combination, that won’t take up too much of your time in the kitchen.

10. Banana butter rice cake

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Here’s a surprise: Bananas are so sweet on their own they can help sweeten any treat. Mash ½ a ripe banana until mushy, and swirl in a teaspoon of peanut butter. Spread on a rice cake, and enjoy!

By Jennifer Conway

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