Chocolate has long been a luxurious treat that nearly everyone loves. The sweet flavor is endlessly satisfying, but unfortunately, the sugar and calories can quickly add up. If you’re trying to be more health conscious, simply quitting treats such as chocolate cold turkey can be very difficult. Instead, consider some of these healthy ways to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Chocolate Alternatives
When your craving stems from the sweet taste of sugar, then a healthy way to satisfy your chocolate cravings is to seek alternatives that hit that sugary sweet spot. For example, a healthier source of natural sugar is fruit. Unlike additive sugar, natural sugars have their place in a healthy diet, and you’ll receive other health benefits such as vitamins and nutrients if you opt for fruit.
However, sometimes you just really want that chocolatey taste as well. The closest alternatives to chocolate include treats such as cacao husk tea. Cacao is as close to chocolate as you can get, since it’s the “raw” version of cocoa beans. With a taste similar to that of dark chocolate, cacao tea is a much healthier choice.
Satisfying Hunger
Your chocolate cravings may actually be signs that your body is just hungry. If you’re struggling to feel full or you have a constant craving for chocolate, try focusing on foods rich in protein, such as eggs, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt. The reason you want protein is that it takes a lot longer for your body to digest, thus ensuring you feel full for longer and taming the cravings so that they’re not constantly lingering in the back of your mind.
Pick-Me-Ups
Another source of chocolate cravings may be your body desiring the sugar as a quick pick-me-up. To curb this form of craving, you can turn to caffeinated beverages such as black coffee or black tea, which will give you a boost of energy while remaining low in calories. If you can’t stand the bitter taste of drinks such as black coffee, though, then low-fat creamers are perfectly acceptable additives. With this, you’ll sate your craving for chocolate without having to ever actually eat it.