Tweak of the Week: Soothe Your Sweet Tooth

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - 14 Comments
By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer


Copious amounts of candy can destroy an otherwise healthy diet. This time of year in particular, you can find sweet treats just about anywhere. The more you obsess about not indulging, the more you will want that sugar fix.

If you're like me, your sweet tooth kicks in after a good meal -- which is still an upgrade from a few years ago when it was an after-dinner cigarette. The key to quieting those cravingswithout packing on unwanted pounds is making the right choice to quell your cravings -- and doing so in moderation.


"If you are looking to tame that sweet tooth, you can opt for a piece of dark chocolate or even dark chocolate-covered raisins or nuts. Fruit would be ideal, but sometimes it just takes a little something to satisfy that craving -- just remember portion control. During the holidays, even a few slices of a caramel apples or a piece of the 'fun size' candy can go a long way," says eDiets Director of Nutrition Services Pam Ofstein.

Pam recommends taking a few pieces of the individually wrapped candies and putting them in a bag to divvy up when you need a sugar fix. This should help to give you an option for a small treat, so you're not at the mercy of the vending machine and its full-size candy bars -- most of which pack well over 200 calories and several grams of fat. Of course, this plan only works if you can stop at one piece.

"If you are like me and love chocolate, opt for a piece (1 oz) of dark chocolate, which is full of antioxidants, or low-fat candies like tootsie rolls and peppermint patties will soothe your sweet tooth," suggests Pam.

Stick to the dark chocolate when grabbing a sweet treat, it has less fat than milk chocolate, as well as heart-healthy antioxidants. Plus, dark chocolate is good for your skin! Watch Dr. Steven Pratt, author of the SuperFoods series, explain the health benefits of the chosen chocolate.





How to you get your sugar fix without going candy crazy? Let us know and comment below.

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Comment: Saturday, October 18, 2008 10:10:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

I have been told that a piece of fruit with an 8 oz. glass of water ever few hours really helps to keep a sweet tooth under control.


Comment: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:07:00 AM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

The dark chocolate thing is fine, but I'm shocked they'd also suggest peppermint patties or tootsie rolls -- they may be lower in FAT, but the SUGAR content is through the roof!!! I think things like no sugar added fudgesicles, or fat-free, no sugar added instant pudding with cool whip, or the 1 oz of dark chocolate like the article talked about 1st... Also, fresh grapes, rinsed and frozen are simply delicious!


Comment: Monday, October 27, 2008 10:41:00 AM - Anonymous chefm said...  

A serving of Hershey's dark chocolate syrup along w/ fresh strawberries for dipping does the trick. Or my other fav is a low-fat graham cracker split in half. One side w/ a marshmallow, 10 sec. in microwave, little squirt of dark choclate syrup(1/2 tbsp) and top w/ other graham. A yummy fat free smores! If you like, sometimes I add a tbsp of reduced p.b. for that Reeces cup taste, but it adds 6 grams of fat, so weigh out your options and set yourself up for success.


Comment: Monday, October 27, 2008 11:36:00 AM - Blogger Phileda said...  

I eat a Luna kids bar, in great flavors like Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge or S'mores, for 130 calories, not much sugar or fat. I usually have it with a cup of soy milk. I find that soy milk can be a great way to satisfy sweet cravings. I could also have a little Better than Peanut Butter- 50 calories per tablespoon of sweet peanut-buttery goodness with almost 0 fat.


Comment: Monday, October 27, 2008 1:57:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

So what about people that do not like dark chocholate? I understand limit the serving if it is milk chcholate but any other sweets to use.


Comment: Monday, October 27, 2008 8:56:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

Dark chocolate doesnt contain less fat than milk chocolate per gram,it even has higher total fats and saturated fats contents. But it's recommended because of its antioxidant values.And due to its intense and bitter taste, we tend to eat less than we would compared to milk chocolate.So overall,the fat intake from the dark chocolate is less than that from the milk chocolate.


Comment: Saturday, November 01, 2008 10:55:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

Who knows why; I'm certain there is no science behind it, but one or two sugar-free popsicles will often quiet my cravings for sweets. It seems to be the coldness and not the sweetness for me. I don't argue it, I just go to the freezer and get one out!


Comment: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 3:27:00 AM - Blogger Melissa said...  

Whenever I get that ever-ubiquitous, unquentiable desire for something absolutely sugary and terrible and I have an unfightable urge to bake cupcakes and eat a good portion of the batter and frosting, I make myself a piece of toast and put honey on it. Does the trick for about 70 calories.


Comment: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 12:03:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

I am a total SWEETAHOLIC! And unfortunately, I don't like dark chocolate. I actually found that you have to be careful with fat-free,sugar-free desserts. They still have high sugar content from corn syrup,etc. and will cause your insulin to spike and cause more sugar cravings! Ugh. I try to indulge with a little candy -but it is difficult sometimes to stop.


Comment: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:01:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

Oh man, I my problem is that I can never stop at just one piece! If it tastes good, it's almost guaranteed I'm gonna stuff my face til I feel sick and disgusted with myself. Thankfully, chocolate is my only downfall and I try to make wide berths around it when able!


Comment: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:43:00 PM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

Also, yogurt is my absolute favorite! I freeze it then take one out, microwave for a few seconds to loosen up, then enjoy my 'icecream'. I like to add pretzels as well, a little crunch, or maybe some fruit, its amazing!!


Comment: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 3:06:00 PM - Anonymous Helene said...  

I am commenting on phileda's blog about the dangers of soy. I am sorry to tell you this, but soy is toxic to our thyroids. Please look into rice milk or hazelnut milk for the same satisfying drink.


Comment: Thursday, November 06, 2008 12:21:00 AM - Anonymous Anonymous said...  

I use Chocolate Royale Slimfast Powder with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of decaf or regular instant coffee. Then put a couple of ice cubes in it. It is so delicious....better than chocolate ice cream or blizzards and gives you energy from all of the protein. Also keeps your stomach from growling.
Occasionally I'll have a Hershey's minature dark chocolate with almonds-not bitter at all.


Comment: Thursday, November 06, 2008 1:34:00 PM - Blogger Erin R. said...  

A cup of hot milk with a spoonful of molasses and a bit of Splenda stirred in fixes me right up. It's also a pretty decent dose of iron, come to think of it. I also recently started buying the sugar free pudding mixes and mixing up a nice thick batch (by using less milk than called for) and then spooning it into those little Pyrex custard cups we all have clattering around our cupboards. I just throw them in the freezer and pull one out when I want a pudding pop.


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