Chocolates, with their smooth, chewy, and sweet taste, are a popular type of dessert that has been considered an irresistible snack to many, regardless of age.
However, despite their sugary and satisfying flavor, chocolates pose a harmful threat to our bodies, especially if they are overconsumed, causing weight gain and diabetes, among others.
With that, dieticians, health-conscious people, and people on a diet have introduced healthy alternatives to eat and splurge on that are available anywhere and way cheaper than chocolates.
If you are on a diet, health-conscious, or just want to lessen your chocolate consumption, here are five alternative snacks that you can eat without worrying about your health!
1. Oatmeal cookies
Cookies could be an alternative to chocolate, but only if they are made with oatmeal. Oatmeal cookies are tasty enough and healthier than chocolates, even regular chocolate chip cookies.
Oats are whole grain foods; hence, they are higher in fiber compared to chocolate. They are also high in protein and antioxidants compared to chocolate, making them a good ingredient to add when baking cookies to snack on.
With oatmeal cookies, you will get over your chocolate cravings and have an even more healthy alternative.
2. Fruits
As a source of essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamins A and C, fiber, iron, and many more minerals, fruits are one of the healthiest foods on the planet and a good alternative to chocolate.
However, fruits as a snack do not always have to be freshly picked or bought; dried fruits such as raisins, dates, and prunes will do as snacks too since they are considered finger foods.
Having sweet, tasty, and fleshy fruits as your snack will definitely prevent you from craving chocolate because eating them will always make you want more.
3. Nuts
Nuts are probably the most popular alternative to chocolate.
With their tasty and various types, such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews, among others, they have been included in all types of diets for a more healthy lifestyle.
They are a great source of many nutrients and are very convenient, which is why they are a good pick instead of chocolate.
They could be mixed with dried fruits as well, called a “trail mix,” for a quick snack.
4. Greek yogurt
Aside from ice cream, Greek yogurt could be a healthy alternative to chocolate. They are a source of protein, fat, and carbs, which our body needs.
It is delicious and versatile in that it could be eaten alone or mixed with fruits, added to a smoothie, or in many other ways as a breakfast or snack.
Greek yogurt is not a portion of finger food, but it can definitely bring chocolate alternatives to the next level with its distinct flavor.
5. Raw vegetables
Raw vegetables outside the vegan world are considered underrated. There are many people who like their vegetables cooked, but raw vegetables are healthier because they are not yet contaminated.
Carrots, cucumbers, and celery are some of the vegetables that could be consumed raw as a snack and dipped with hummus and other types of healthy dips.
With raw vegetables, not only are you lowering your chocolate consumption, but you also become healthier and save money because of their cheaper prices than chocolates.
Stopping yourself from eating chocolate is not easy, but there are healthy alternatives you could start eating to reach your goal. These alternative snacks will certainly help you consume wisely.