Fitness Friday – How to Conquer a Sweet Tooth

Warm Waffle Breakfast with blueberries made in a home kitchen (Photo credit: Taylor Freetage)
Warm Waffle Breakfast with blueberries made in a home kitchen (Photo credit: Taylor Freetage)

By Taylor Freetage

Today I wanted to take some time to talk about a seriously pressing issue: the evil sweet tooth… dun dun dun..

If you are anything like me, you could probably eat something sweet for every meal of the day. Before I started paying attention to the nutritional value of the food I was eating, I didn’t think anything of sugar other than that it would get me hyper or on some sugar high.

What I didn’t know is that added sugars like the ones you find in those delicious cupcakes, donuts, and ice creams contain hepatotoxins (a chemical found in fructose). Fructose is converted to fat right away and has the same effect on your liver as alcohol, therefore causing the same metabolic syndromes as excessive alcohol intake. Talk about a (sugar) buzz kill.

Instead of cutting out sweets altogether (because that would be a funny joke), I have found a few replacement treats that give you your fix with none of the guilt.

Here are 5 of my favorite sweet treat alternatives!

1.KODIAK CAKES FLAPJACK & WAFFLE MIX// AGAVE NECTAR MAPLE SYRUP

Breakfast is the one meal of the day where I just have to have something sweet. It’s really strange, but as soon as I wake up, I always have a sweet tooth. It can often be challenging trying to find healthy replacements that taste identical to the original product, but these cakes restore the flapjack tradition with no compromised fillers. All you need is one cup of water and one cup of mix for an energy packed sweet treat that will keep you full until your next meal. Add a tablespoon of agave nectar maple syrup and some fruit then you are ready to go!

Macros for two 4″ pancakes: 1g fat/27g carb/7g protein

2.RICE CAKE AND NUT BUTTER

This sweet and healthy combo is perfect if you’re on the go or if you’re in a social setting but still want to watch your sugar intake. One of the hardest things about transforming your diet into a healthy lifestyle is being around tempting foods at social gatherings. Rice cakes with flavored nut butter (Jif’s cinnamon peanut butter is my current favorite) is the perfect snack to throw in a baggie in your purse so you can conquer that craving before that birthday cookie cake catches your attention. Don’t feel awkward to carry around that rice cake either! You better own and enjoy that rice cake… Guilt free!

Macros for 1 rice cake and 1 tbsp. peanut butter: 7.5g fat/14.5g carb/3.5g protein

3.PRONUTS (protein donuts)

Who says you can’t “treat yo’ self” while being mindful of your health?! If you looked up the definition of awesome in the dictionary, you would most likely see a picture of a pronut. Whip up a batch of pronuts for a sugary tasting snack that is also perfect for your pre- workout pick me up. You get all the satisfaction of indulgement along with the benefits of protein. Take them fresh out of the oven top with a light glaze and some sprinkles, because why not?! Enjoy while patting yourself on the back for eating a donut packed with all the nutrients you want with the sugar you need.

Macros for 1 donut: 2g fat/5g carb/6g protein

Note* Macros differ depending on which recipe you use

4.YASSO FROZEN GREEK YOGURT POPSICLES

I found these at Target the other day, and I was so anxious to try it that I couldn’t help but eat it on the way home. These. Are. Amazing. The chocolate chip cookie dough tastes just like cookie dough ice cream, but because it’s frozen Greek yogurt the texture is light, airy, and perfect for a summer snack. If you are looking for a creamy treat for the heat without all the tummy bloat, look no further!

Macros for one pop: 2.5g fat/17g carb/5g protein

5.HALO TOP ICE CREAM

Since we are already on the topic of ice cream, I thought it was appropriate to bring up the holy grail of healthy sweet treats – Halo Top. This unique ice cream ranges from classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to more intricate flavors like birthday cake and mocha chocolate chip. Before I tried this, I never thought it would be possible to create a low sugar, low carb, and low-fat ice cream that tastes EXACTLY (if not better) like real ice cream. Honestly, if I have the option, I would reach for Halo Top over other brands of ice cream. All flavors have no synthetic growth hormones and are made sweet with organic stevia so that you can dodge the post- dessert tummy ache. When you make the (smart) decision to try it, keep in mind that Halo Top is only at select grocery stores. I know Target and Walmart don’t have it, but many Krogers and whole foods do carry it. Go online to halotop.com to see which stores in your area have it in stock… you won’t regret it!

Macros per 1/2 cup serving: 4g fat/14g carb/6g protein

There ya go! Those are my top 5 favorite sweet treat alternatives to conquer your craving.

The next time you have a sweet tooth, remind yourself that what you’re experiencing is not your body wanting added sugars, but rather natural sugars like fruits. If we are speaking truthfully, though, sometimes fruit just isn’t going to do the trick.

Although I have only scratched the surface of healthy sweet treats, there are SO many options out there that are awaiting discovery.

I challenge you to find some tried and true sweet treat alternatives of your own so you can mindfully and healthily treat yo’ self.

For more from Taylor Freetage, visit taylorfreetage.com