Chocolate boosts serotonin production (the feel good hormone) so it does more than just satisfy our taste buds.
But too much of a good thing can lead to excess weight gain and even more sugar cravings which will send your blood sugar through the roof.
Here one of the Lose Baby Weight Nutritionist’s, Elisha Danine, shares some great healthy snack ideas for one of the more common cravings – chocolate!
Try some of these snacks below as a prevention or alternative to a chocolate fix.
And if dessert is your downfall, you can download your FREE Healthy Dessert Recipe Sampler from our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge by clicking here.
Or you can join the challenge directly here
1) Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Raw chocolate is so much better for you than milk chocolate as it contains higher amounts of minerals such as iron and magnesium. Try this snack for your daily amount of omega 6 fats (from avocado). To make the mousse combine 50g avocado, 2 tsp raw cacao, 1 tbsp coconut cream, a pinch of stevia and whizz in blender until smooth. Place in fridge for 2 hours and serve. 1 serve = 215 calories
2) Cacao Delight Smoothie
Try this spicy protein Smoothie to satisfy your chocolate cravings. This Cacao Delight Smoothie consists of – 1 litre coconut water, 1 tbsp of coconut oil, 1 tbsp raw cacao powder, 2 tbsp Healthy Mummy Smoothie powder and 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder. Process until smooth in a blender. The natural electrolytes in the coconut water will keep you hydrated all day and the protein and cinnamon will keep your blood sugar levels stable until your next meal. These quantities makes 2 serves. Each serve = 194 calories
3) Dried Banana Chips
Make your own banana chips at home if you have a food dehydrator or borrow a friend’s if you don’t have one. It’s simple and cost effective and makes an easy portable snack. Use bananas to help fight chocolate cravings as they are high in fibre and will keep you feeling full. ½ cup (50g) of banana chips = 173 calories
4) Pumpkin Seeds
A magnesium deficiency is said to bring on chocolate cravings. Pumpkin seeds are high in this mineral and make a perfect snack to carry around in your handbag for those hunger moments. Calories per 30g serve = 172 calories
5) Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain caffeic acid, which helps prevent water retention in the body. They are nice plain or with a little sprinkle of salt. The high fibre content will help prevent sugar cravings for many hours. Each 100g of cucumber contains 15 calories
6) Asparagus
Grilled asparagus with balsamic is a tasty snack that will help curb your appetite until your next meal. Filling up on greens will tend to prevent chocolate cravings due to the magnesium content. 100g of asparagus = 20 calories.
7) Pomegranate
This superfood is sweet and tangy and is high in vitamin C, boosts immunity, improves circulation and helps to prevent diabetes. It has many benefits including being high in soluble and insoluble fibres and with only 83 calories per 100g it is a much better option than sugary, milk chocolate.
8) Figs
Figs are high in vitamin B6, which has long been thought to be beneficial in alleviating morning sickness. They are also known to help balance blood sugar which can help prevent unhealthy snacking and mood swings. 1 large fig (7cm diameter) has 45 calories.
9) Chocolate ‘Pudding’
This ‘pudding’ is a great low calorie chocolate fix. It is a delicious snack which helps increase your protein intake. Mix a 100g tub of low fat natural yoghurt with 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder for a mousse like treat with a fraction of the calories. 1 serve = 98 calories
10) Grainy Toast with Baked Beans
This easy to prepare snack is full of fibre and will help reduce sweet cravings. 1 slice of toast with 2 tablespoons of baked beans, salt reduced = 140 calories.
Written by Elisha Danine – Nutritionist/Natural Medicine Practitioner.
And if dessert is your downfall, you can download your FREE Healthy Dessert Recipe Sampler from our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge by clicking here.
Or you can join the challenge directly here
Results from mums on the 28 Day Challenge
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Eliza lost 22kg (48 pounds) on 4 Challenges
Eliza says “I started in September with my first 28 Day Weightloss Challenge. I lost 8 kg that month. So far I have lost 22 kg. But it is what I have gained which will make me a supporter for life!
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