Health&Wellness Magazine April 2014 | Page 36

36 & April 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Like us @healthykentucky If you scream for ice cream, check out brands like Skinny Cow that offer novelty items with significantly less calories than regular ice cream. 4. Small Encounters: Sweet Treats: Eight Ways to Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings By Annette Racond, Staff Writer Deprivation doesn’t have to be a fact of life! Check out these snacks that are sure to satisfy your sugar cravings without packing in the sugar (or the calories!) Even though your best bet might be a piece of fresh fruit, there are times when nothing but something more decadent will do. Here are some options ranging from a simple apple to mini cakepops drenched in caramel. 1. Do Your Crunches: Popcorn is a great treat, but it doesn’t exactly sound like a remedy for sugar cravings. That’s all changed with the introduction of Good Health Inc.’s Half Naked Popcorn Pop Chocolate. It’s light, crunchy and sweet, so what’s not to like? Crank up your favorite movie and sweeten the mood with this sumptuous airpopped popcorn. Plus, it’s only 110 calories per ounce. 2. Plain and Simple: Opt for plain yogurt in lieu of pre-sweetened products. Fage is a good brand that’s available in several varieties for individuals who are also concerned with fat intake. There’s 0%, 2% and Total. Chobani is another popular brand. Break out your biggest parfait glass and add layers of yogurt with fresh fruit in between. Create your own masterpiece that’s good for you, too. 3. Bar None: Many sports bars are now available in smaller sizes designed for kids – but who says adults can’t eat them, too? Clif Kid Organic ZBars come in delicious flavors, such as chocolate brownie, honey graham, and peanut butter. What’s more, there’s no high fructose corn syrup in these baked whole-grain energy snacks. So, gobble up! Manufacturers, including Starbucks, offer petite-sized treats that won’t pack in the calories or put on the pounds. There’s everything from salted-caramel cake-pops to birthday cake-pops. Sometimes it only takes a few bites of a decadent treat to satisfy your sugar cravings. So, go ahead and indulge. Remember to be mindful and savor every bite. 5. Say Cheese: Spruce up plain ole cottage cheese by adding fresh pineapple or lowsugar jam. Add blueberries and granola to perk it up even more. Choose from no-fat or low-fat cottage cheese to suit your taste. Who says cottage cheese has to be boring? 6. I Scream: If you scream for ice cream, check out brands like Skinny Cow that offer novelty items with significantly less calories than regular ice cream. Choose from fudge bars, strawberry- shortcake sandwiches, caramel-truffle bars and even no-sugar-added vanilla sandwiches. The company also boasts a variety of single-serve candy items. 7. Mini Miracles: Sundry manufacturers like General Mills and Nabisco offer 100-calorie treats, so you can have your pick of everything from chocolate candy to chocolate chip cookies. The party is over when the bag is empty, which is ideal for portion-control buffs. Hey, you can’t eat what’s not there! 8. Be Fruitful: Sometimes, it’s best to stick to the basics. The natural flavor of a red delicious apple is a great way to satisfy sugar cravings. Mix it up and indulge in a baked apple covered with cinnamon. Or, make fresh apple juice. Treat yourself to organic apples and embrace the refreshing flavor. Apples are perfect for travel, so keep one on hand when you’re on the go.