7 Chocolate Alternatives to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Are you one of those people who eat chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth? Giving in to chocolate cravings can have negative effects on your health and weight.

Magnesium deficiency is one of the reasons we crave chocolate. The fact that chocolate increases dopamine and feelings of happiness makes us desire it as well. In other cases, the cravings are triggered by the hormonal changes that occur during menstruation and pregnancy.

The truth is you don’t have to eat chocolate every time you crave it. Here are 8 ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without eating chocolate.

1. Carob

Carob is finely ground powder which has a similar taste to cocoa powder. It is high in fiber, low in fat and contains calcium. In fact, you’ll love carob if you’re sensitive to caffeine. It’s caffeine-free, unlike chocolate and cocoa.

You can use carob in cooking or add it to yogurt and smoothies.

2. Cocoa powder

Cocoa powder can curb chocolate cravings without the excess calories of chocolate. A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder contains no sugar and 10 calories. 

You can make hot cocoa by mixing one cup of non-fat milk will with two teaspoons of cocoa powder. Feel free to add cocoa powder to smoothies or yogurt. 

3. Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Dipping strawberries in chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth. Dip the strawberries in melted chocolate then store them in the refrigerator until the coating hardens.

4. Frozen chocolate banana

A combination of bananas and chocolate will give you more nutrients and keep you full for longer.

Simply dip one small banana in two melted squares of chocolate, then freeze the coating in the refrigerator.

5. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is better than regular chocolate. It contains more antioxidants and less sugar.

When buying dark chocolate make sure it contains more than 70 percent cocoa.

Note that you still need to eat dark chocolate in moderation. One square can contain 15-40 calories depending on the size. 

6. Fruits

You can’t go wrong with fruits. They contain lots of nutrients, fiber and sugar to curb your cravings.

Eat sweet fruits like strawberries, cherries, apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples and grapefruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Cocoa nibs

Cocoa nibs are basically chocolate which has been fermented, dried, roasted and crushed but hasn’t been ground and mixed with sugar.

They have the chocolatey taste without the sweetness. Mix them with milk of choice, greek yogurt, smoothies or peanut butter.