Sweet treats or healthy snacks? This question plagues the minds of so many people in the increasingly health-conscious world. Being able to be healthy and indulge your sweet tooth is indeed possible and you should enjoy doing both.
First of all, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. Avoid foods high in sugar and do your best to stay away from processed foods. This is a message that is echoed by most health gurus or personal trainers and need to be heard by all of us. It is also true when discussing your dental health. To best satisfy your taste buds while keeping your teeth safe, you can take the following tips to heart…and the grocery store.
Fruits are naturally sweet and are a great substitute to candy because they do not contain the added sugars and artificial colors that can create damage to teeth. The old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may not be a complete certainty, but that apple can help strengthen teeth while keeping you within the parameters of a healthy diet. You can add strawberries, bananas, or raspberries to sweeten up any meal or simply enjoy them alone. Consider adding fresh fruit in a bottle of water. This can make drinking the recommended amount of water a lot easier by simply adding some natural flavors.
Low-fat yogurts, low-fat frozen yogurst, and puddings can also be a healthy (and relatively inexpensive) way to enjoy a snack. Add some granola or almonds to a cup of yogurt to make your treat a little more filling without the risk of adding cavities or adding up the calories. You can even add some fresh grapes or blueberries to your yogurt and granola to make a delicious, low-fat, guilt-free parfait!
You can also consider using spices to enhance your snack. Look into using honey as an alternative flavoring for everything from toast to tea and help get the shot of natural sugar your body desires. Consider cinnamon as a topping that can give a flavor boost to most snacks including your cereal. You might also look at some healthy cereals that can be eaten dry and used as an afternoon craving killer.
Maintain moderation and enjoy your snacks without the guilt! Have fun doing it and take pride that you’re helping to create a happier, healthier you while also preserving your teeth.
