Many of us admit to having a sweet tooth and it can be hard to resist the lure of a decadent dessert or a sumptuous sweet snack even though we’re well aware of the health and oral health implications; if this sounds familiar, we can help! Here are some low or non-sugar alternatives to curb those sweet cravings:
Snack options
Many people like to reach for a chocolate bar or the biscuit tin when their energy levels start to drop mid-morning or around the 3pm mark, but doing this can actually be counter-productive for your energy levels, as well as contributing to an increased risk of weight gain, diabetes and oral health problems. If you fancy a snack and you’re constantly battling cravings and dreaming of puddings or treats, here are some healthier options:
- fruit
- natural yoghurt
- low fat chocolate mousse
- granola
- nuts
- home-made smoothie (avoid buying smoothies in shops, as they are usually packed with sugar)
Dessert options
Many of us are familiar with the craving for a morsel of dessert after a main meal but you don’t need to gorge on a full packet of biscuits or a giant wedge of cake to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are lots of healthier dessert options, as well as artificial and natural sweeteners, which can be used for baking and cooking to make puddings healthier and reduce your sugar intake. Suggestions include:
- strawberries dipped in dark chocolate
- oatcakes with a thin layer of nutella
- baked fruit with yoghurt
- Green yoghurt with peaches, berries or banana
- fruit loaf
- sorbet
- sugar free jelly
- frozen yoghurt
If you have any questions about diet and nutrition or you’d like advice about using sugar substitutes or cutting down your sugar intake for better oral health, we will be happy to chat to you at your next check-up; you can also give us a call at any time.