#EmbraceNourishment: Your Guide to Healthy Eating
Craving unhealthy food can be a constant battle, and often, just saying no might feel impossible. This week, we drew inspiration from some healthy decisions made by our Twitter community. From eschewing takeout lunches to whipping up a paleo meal instead of diving headfirst into junk food, we're all for quelling those cravings in a wholesome way. Here's some motivation to help you conquer those pesky food cravings.
Check out this Storify for more healthy eats inspiration
Cravings can be a real nutritional challenge, but there are plenty of options out there to help you curb them without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Here are some ideas that could fit the bill:
- Sugar-Free Gum:
Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum not only helps reduce stress and improve your mood, but it can also lower the chances of those sugar cravings rearing their head.
- Dark Chocolate:
If you've got a serious chocolate craving, opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. This tasty treat is packed with antioxidants and can help satisfy that craving while providing health benefits like lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
- Fresh Fruit:
Sweet and naturally satisfying, fresh fruit is the perfect alternative when you've got a sugar craving. It's chock-full of fiber, which can increase your feelings of fullness and reduce the urge for added sugars.
- No-Sugar-Added Flavored Yogurt:
Choose a flavorful, no-sugar-added yogurt, like Greek yogurt, for a high-protein, low-sugar option. This will help slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream and stave off those pesky cravings.
- Trail Mix:
A balanced mix of dried fruits and nuts can offer enough sweetness to satisfy a sugar craving while also packing in protein and fiber. Just make sure to practice portion control to avoid consuming too many calories.
- Cottage Cheese with Fruit:
This tasty combo offers sweetness and the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese's high-protein content. Stick with low-added-sugar options to ensure you're getting a healthy snack.
- Protein-Rich Energy Bar:
Energy bars that are packed with protein, fiber, and good fats can help manage your sugar cravings and keep your energy levels stable. Look for bars made with whole, natural ingredients.
- Quick Breads and Muffins:
Choose quick breads made with natural sweeteners like fruits or vegetables to reduce the need for added sugar, and pack in some fiber and essential nutrients at the same time.
- Healthy Snack Alternatives:
For additional options, check out Joel's Place for these craving-busting ideas:
- Catalina Crunch Cookies: These vegan and keto-friendly cookies are made with protein, fiber, and good fats and have minimal sugar.
- Mood Food Bar: Sweetened with honey, these whole grain oat bars are cholesterol-free and low in sodium.
- Karma Nuts: Air-roasted cashews with unique flavors provide high protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Toodaloo Trail Mix: A mix of maple brittle and raw nuts and coconut chips helps support mind, body, and spirit balance.
Incorporating healthy nutrition habits can greatly improve your overall health. Instead of giving in to unhealthy food cravings, try substituting with options like sugar-free gum, dark chocolate with minimum 70% cacao, or no-sugar-added flavored yogurt to curb cravings without compromising on nutrients.
