We all crave unhealthy food. From doughnuts to biscuits and chocolate, these sugary foods are the ones that are most enjoyable to eat and what we crave most. However, as there is an increasing amount of concern over how we look after ourselves and our bodies, it is good to be aware of healthy substitutes that will satisfy these sugar cravings when they hit. Whilst it is completely fine to indulge every once in a while it is good to vary your diet with healthy alternatives that will still leave you feeling satisfied.

Studies have shown that it can be better if you satisfy one craving at a time as you will then be less likely to overeat. When you eat something with lots of different tastes and textures it makes you want to eat more, so when you want sugar make sure you have something sweet. Here are some healthy food that will combat your sugar cravings.

Replace Chocolate with Blueberries

Blueberries contain less sugar than most berries but carry a lot of benefits for us. They contain a lot of manganese which is the mineral that helps regulate blood sugar and heal the skin. Pair these berries with Greek yoghurt for the perfect energy boosting and filling snack.

If you do want chocolate however, then you are best to go for dark chocolate. If you go for a higher percentage (70% cocoa or more) then there will be less added sugar and more health benefits such as lower blood pressure and some stress relief. Everything is best in moderation.

Replace Fizzy Drinks with Pomegranate Juice

Drinks like Coke and Lemonade taste good because they pack loads of sugar and artificial ingredients. As an alternative try pomegranate juice mixed with carbonated water for that satisfying fizzy drink. Pomegranate is a great source of vitamin c and is full of antioxidants that are good for the heart. Alternatively, cranberry and raspberry juice is available in lots of places and also satisfies with a sweet taste as well as antioxidants, just be mindful of the added sugar content (supermarket own brands are usually the lowest!)

Replace Sweet and Salty with Watermelon and Feta

The best combination of flavours has to be sweet and salty, it is so moreish as it fulfils our unhealthiest cravings at once. Believe it or not there is a great salad that satisfies this craving just as much as a bag of popcorn would. Watermelon and feta cheese is the perfect summery combination of foods that compliment each other and taste great. It is also a great way to get some vitamins and proteins.

Replace Sugar with Cinnamon

If you’re the kind of person who likes stuff sweet and finds a small amount of sugar makes things easier to go down why not try sprinkling foods with cinnamon instead. This spice can add a sweet kick to anything like cereal, fruit, yoghurt or coffee. It minimizes insulin spikes after you’ve eaten which means that your sugar cravings will be reduced.

These are just a few ideas on how to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way but there are loads of foods out there which are better alternatives to sugary snacks. In supermarkets there are so many healthy snack bars that are available for you to get your hands on. Graze make loads of delicious little snacks, one of the best being their lemon drizzle flapjack! Next time you do a weekly shop add some of those to your cart instead of a packet of biscuits.