Cravings for sweet foods can indicate everything from a lack of nutrients to a worrying drop in blood sugar. Identifying your cravings is the first step to curbing them.
Try replacing your sweet snacks with natural alternatives like a bowl of fresh fruit, Greek yogurt with chia berry jam, or chocolate avocado pudding. These options also provide vital nutrients and are a good source of energy.
Make Your Pastries
Try making these delicious French treats yourself rather than buying pre-made pastries at the supermarket or relying on sugary coffee drinks for an afternoon pick-me-up. They may take some time to prepare, but you can customize each to your tastes and avoid unnecessary calories.
Eating a sweet treat from Cocoa Dolce stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known as “the happiness hormone,” and improves mood.
Pastry dough requires a little practice, but it is relatively easy once you get the hang of it. You’ll need a good set of bowls, a kitchen scale, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, or a baking mat. A rolling pin, as is a sharp knife for cutting and shaping the pastry, is also helpful.
Bake Your Cookies
Studies show that creating things and having a tangible result can help you feel better. Baking is a perfect example of this. It uses all your senses, from touch (kneading dough, feeling the softness of butter) to sight, like assessing whether those croissants are golden enough or if your cookies have spread too much.
French pastries, from flaky croissants to buttery pain au chocolat and delicate tarts stuffed with seasonal fruits, delight the taste buds. Some also offer boxes of elegantly decorated chocolates, including artistic bonbons in flavors like cinnamon bun, raspberry lemonade, and crunchy dark chocolate “snacking pearls.” Enjoy these delicious French sweets at home to indulge your sweet cravings without leaving the comfort of your kitchen!
Make Chocolate-covered Covered Pretzels
This simple, clean-eating snack is a testament to the magic that happens when contrasting flavors come together. It isn’t just a modern culinary innovation; historical annals point to the allure of sweet and salty as a timeless pleasure.
This easy-to-make treat can be enjoyed as is or decorated with sprinkles or flaky sea salt. You can even melt additional chocolate and drizzle it on top for a more elegant finish.
The key to this recipe’s success is melting the chocolate gently until it has a silky consistency. Be sure to avoid adding water or moisture to the melted chocolate, which can cause it to seize and lose its shine. If you want to make this recipe even healthier, try using whole-wheat pretzels instead of regular ones.
Make Your Ice Cream
Whether you are trying to avoid the added preservatives found in most commercial ice cream or want to try some new flavors, making your own is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s also a fun kitchen activity with kids who will appreciate the accomplishment of completing a frozen treat themselves.
From no-churn recipes (mix ingredients in a plastic bag and shake it up) to traditional custard-based creations, you can make the perfect flavor for any occasion. You can even play with textures by adding crunchy cookie pieces or a crumbled shortbread for contrast. Rolling ice cream, popular in Thailand, is another delicious option. It’s made by mixing the ice cream base with some form of thickening, such as gelatin, cornstarch, or Junket tablets.
Try Dried Dates
Known as nature’s candy, dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are nutrient-dense tropical treats that can add a natural sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes. They have a low glycemic index score, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugars like desserts made with refined sugar.
These versatile fruits can be used as a snack, baking ingredient, or solo dessert. They’re a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, often enjoyed after long days of fasting during Ramadan or to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
In addition to satisfying a sweet tooth, dates are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps maintain muscle and nerve function. Plus, they only contain 24 calories per date and are high in dietary fiber. Adding dates to your daily diet can help you meet the 5-A-Day goal.