Sensible Substitutions for Your Cravings!
By Sara Butler
Everyone has cravings from time to time. It can be caused by a change in the weather, a change in your hormones or simply something you’re in the mood for. The real problem is that most of the time the things you crave aren’t healthy for you. Here are a few strategies to help you satisfy your cravings while still managing to stay healthy!
The Salty Craving
It’s perfectly normal to crave salt from time to time. If you’re craving salt you shouldn’t reach for your salt shaker to douse your meal. Instead try a small handful of nuts, some cheese or even some melon wrapped in prosciutto. Try not to go overboard because you have to remember that salt is such a strong taste it will drive out other flavors from food.
The Chocolate Craving
This is a craving many people are familiar with! You may be craving chocolate because of the chemicals it releases in your brain to make you feel pleasure. So, you’re not craving it only because it tastes good.
Chocolate, as far as these things go, isn’t that terrible for you. If you go with dark chocolate that doesn’t have a lot of added sugar it’s OK to give into this sweet craving – in moderation. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and can even help to keep your blood sugar steady, so go for it!
The Fried Craving
Fried foods sometimes just sound really good, and they sound good to a lot of people. Research has found that 80 percent of people admit to craving fried food from time to time.
If you want something fried your best bet is to make it yourself, but without actually frying anything! You can make some homemade French fries by cutting up some potatoes, tossing them with olive oil and a little salt, then baking them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden. That should do the trick!
The Soda Craving
Sometimes you just want a soda. Americans, as a matter of fact, consume about 44 gallons per person per year according to the Associated Press. That’s a lot of soda, and it’s not very good for you at all. Your best bet if you’re craving a soda is to try some seltzer water with a splash of fruit juice. It’ll give you that carbonated pop without all the added chemicals and sugar.
There’s always a healthier answer to the cravings you’re having. Just find what works for you and have it instead!