Satisfying Low-Sugar Snack Options to Curb Cravings
Finding tasty snacks that won't spike your blood sugar can be challenging. Many convenient grab-and-go options like chips, cookies, and cereal bars are packed with added sugars that cause your levels to crash soon after eating. This leaves you feeling drained, sluggish, and reaching for yet another quick fix to get your energy back up.
Break this unhealthy cycle of sugar cravings by having smart alternatives on hand. Snacks with no added sugar help regulate energy, blood sugar, mood, and hunger cues. And you don't have to sacrifice taste either - there are still sweet options that use natural sources!
Benefits of Choosing Low-Sugar Snacks
Here’s why filling up on snacks without any added sugars is the best choice for overall health:
- Prevents energy crashes and spikes in blood sugar
- Helps control appetite and food intake
- Reduces inflammation linked to chronic disease
- Aids stable mood, focus and concentration
On top of this, low sugar snacks are often naturally high in nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and fiber. These support feelings of satiation and sustained energy release for hours.
Tasty, Nutritious No-Sugar Snack Ideas
Check out this wide selection of sweet and savory low-sugar snacks under 100 calories:
1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Slice up a medium apple and enjoy with 1-2 tablespoons of natural peanut or any nut butter of your choice. Delicious, nutritious, and only 95 calories!
2. DIY Trail Mix
Mix together nuts like almonds or pecans, toasted oat granola, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, and dark chocolate chunks.
3. Greek Yogurt Bark
Stir milk or dark chocolate chips into Greek yogurt and spread onto parchment paper before freezing. Break into bite-size pieces whenever cravings strike.
4. Celery Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Fill celery stalks with whipped cream cheese or laughing cow cheese wedges. Top with everything bagel seasoning for a savory crunch!
5. Roasted Chickpeas
Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, sea salt and spices like cumin or chili powder. Roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, shaking halfway.
6. Avocado Toast
Mash avocado onto whole grain or seeded toast. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese, tomatoes, and balsamic glaze.
7. Hard Boiled Eggs
Make a batch of hard boiled eggs to have on hand whenever your stomach rumbles. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or hot sauce for extra flavor.
8. Sheet Pan Veggie Nachos
Layer thinly sliced veggies like zucchini, bell peppers and onion on a baking sheet. Top with cheese, salsa, Greek yogurt and bake until melted and crispy.
9. No-Bake Energy Bites
Mix together oats, nut butter, ground flaxseed, dark chocolate and dried fruit. Shape into bite size balls and store in the fridge or freezer.
10. Cold Tofu Salad
Marinate baked tofu chunks in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and ginger. Serve chilled over greens or enjoy as is for an easy 10 gram protein snack.
Tips for Snacking the Low-Sugar Way
Making better snacking choices is much easier with the right strategies in place. Here are tips for snacks sans added sugar:
Prep Ahead
Having pre-portioned snacks already washed, chopped, baked, combined and stored makes grabbing something healthy so much simpler.
Always Eat Balanced Meals
Starting your day with a filling, balanced breakfast and eating regular meals every 3-4 hours helps prevent extreme hunger leading to sugar binges.
Drink More Water
Thirst signals often disguise themselves as hunger, driving overeating. Sip water throughout the day to stay satisfied.
Learn Warning Signs
Know your personal trigger points for cravings – is it when you’re bored, stressed, tired or lonely? Finding alternatives specifically for those times prevents slipping up.
Sweet, Low-Sugar Snack Recipes
What if your sweet tooth just won't quit? You don't have to go cold turkey on dessert-like snacks as long as you choose options using natural sugars in moderation. Here are tasty ideas:
Baked Banana Chips
Slice bananas thinly and spread out on a parchment lined baking tray. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 275F for 25 minutes until crispy.
Frozen Grapes
Wash and dry seedless grapes, then line a baking sheet with parchment and spread grapes out in a single layer. Freeze overnight or until solidly frozen.
Strawberry Nice Cream
Blend frozen strawberries and bananas with a splash of milk or orange juice. Top with shredded coconut, cacao nibs or crushed nuts.
No-Bake Fig Bars
Purée dried figs with toasted walnuts, oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla and a dash of salt. Shape into bars and chill before slicing.
Berry Chia Pudding
Whisk together chia seeds, milk of choice and vanilla. Stir in fresh or frozen mixed berries. Refrigerate overnight so mixture thickens.
Peach Kefir Smoothie
Blend frozen peaches, kefir (or yogurt), ground flaxseed, ice and cinnamon until thick and creamy like a milkshake.
Be Ready for Snack Attacks with Smart Choices
Unhealthy snacking habits can easily derail nutrition goals. But denying intense cravings completely often backfires, leading to bingeing later on. Having delicious better-for-you snacks on hand lets you indulge cravings in a balanced way.
Keep your pantry, fridge, purse and desk stocked with filling low-sugar snacks. Aim for options combining fiber, protein and healthy fats to sustain energy for hours without spiking blood sugar.
Get creative, prep ahead on less busy days, and discover snacks you genuinely enjoy rather than viewing health foods as restrictive. Adopting the mindset of abundance over restriction makes all the difference in sticking with feel-good fuel!
FAQs
Why should I choose no sugar added snacks?
Choosing snacks without added sugars helps prevent energy crashes, regulates appetite, controls calorie intake, reduces inflammation, and aids stable mood and focus between meals.
What are some sweet snacks without refined sugars?
Some naturally sweetened low sugar snacks include baked banana chips, frozen grapes, strawberry nice cream, no-bake fig bars, berry chia pudding, and peach kefir smoothies.
How can I avoid sugar cravings when snacking?
Tips to prevent intense sugar cravings include prepping no sugar snacks ahead of time, eating balanced meals every 3-4 hours, staying hydrated with water, and identifying emotional or situational triggers for cravings.
Are low-calorie snacks actually healthy?
While limiting calories, low-calorie snacks are only healthy if they provide nutritional value. Choose options with fiber, protein and healthy fats over processed diet foods to properly fuel your body.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment