Healthy Sweet Snacks for Weight Loss

Tasty sweet snacks for losing weight

Many sweet snacks are high in fat, carbohydrates and calories. Cutting out high calorie, high sugar snacks and replacing with healthy alternatives can help satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your calories down. Avoid sugary sodas, sweet baked-goods like doughnuts and pastries and hard candy to significantly cut back on calories and aid in weight loss. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet rich with complex carbohydrates, lean protein sources and healthy fat sources. Have a sweet snack occasionally as a reward for your dieting efforts.



Consider adding an exercise program to augment your weight loss plan. Please consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise program.

Frozen Grapes

Frozen grapes are a low calorie, high fiber snack that can provide you with a cool treat during a warm day. High fiber foods help you to feel full longer which can help prevent the urge to overeat. Remove the stems and wash the grapes thoroughly before freezing. Put the fruit in a plastic bag and place in the freezer for a few hours. If you don't prefer grapes, try freezing bananas, berries or pineapples as alternatives.

Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt contains fewer calories than its high fat ice cream alternative. The dairy snack can help regulate the digestive system and provides you with a rich source of calcium to help keep your bones strong. Serve in a cup or cone and add a serving of fat-free whipped cream to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your calories in check.

Dark Chocolate

A study in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes the flavanols in dark chocolate helped to increase insulin sensitivity which can aid weight loss. The study also linked dark chocolate with a decrease in blood pressure. Eat moderate amounts, as the sweet-tasting snack is high in fat. Avoid lighter-colored chocolates that contain milk, caramel and sugary compounds as these foods are high in calories and promote weight gain.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salads offer you a nutritious, low calorie snack high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Drizzle honey or add a serving of nuts to spruce up your snack. Use in season fruits for a fresh and tasty dessert.

References

• Family Education: Top 10 Treats to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth; Lindsay Hutton
• Helpguide.org: Nutrition for Children and Teens; Maya Paul; Lawrence Robinson; 2011
• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure; Davide Grassi; Cristina Lippi; Stefano Necozione; Giovambattista Desideri; Claudio Ferri; 2005