Six healthy snacks if you have a sweet tooth

If you feel a bit of a dip in the afternoon it’s easy to reach for a sugary snack. But refined sugars and ultra processed foods are highly inflammatory and detrimental to health. Here are some sweet alternatives which are healthy and will sustain you.

Apple and nut butter

Eating nut butter with an apple will keep your blood sugars steady and prevent you from wanting to eat again 10 minutes later. Almond and cashew butter are great. Go for a natural brand like Meridian or Pip & Nut to avoid any nasties.

Why it’s good for you

Apples are so good for you. High in vitamin C and various anti-oxidants, they are a great source of fibre including pectin which is particularly good for gut health. They also contain quercetin which is very anti-inflammatory and will dampen histamine reactions (good for hay fever). Nut butters are amazing foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and minerals.

Chia pudding

Super easy to make they will easily last in the fridge for about 4-5 days, so you can prepare a batch in advance. For the recipe and lots of topping suggestions click here.

Why it’s good for you

High in fibre, high in protein and high in Omega 3s which are highly anti-inflammatory. Chia is also mucilaginous, which means it forms a kind of gel-like consistency which creates a protective layer in your digestive tract, so is great for gut healing. And then there’s the healthy toppings you can add to further boost the nutrient content.

Banana and tahini

I love this combo. I’m a massive tahini fan. Eating a tablespoon along side a banana (I just dip mine) makes for a very filling and tasty snack. It’s also very portable, great for when you are on the go.

Why it’s good for you

Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C , potassium and magnesium. They are great source of fibre and will help your microbiome thrive, furthermore research has shown that the pectin in bananas helps prevent constipation and can be protective against colon cancer. Tahini is rich in antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, can help to reduce inflammation and is beneficial to brain health.

2 or 3 squares of dark chocolate

Dark chocolate, 70% and above, is dairy free and really good for you. It can hit the spot when you really want to indulge yourself. But it is calorific so it’s best consumed in moderation, savour 2 or 3 squares.

Why it’s good for you

Dark chocolate is packed full of important minerals, including iron (red blood cells), magnesium (reduces anxiety and promotes sleep), zinc (immunity), copper (energy production, connective tissues) phosphorus (healthy teeth), potassium (supports normal blood pressure) and selenium (antioxidant, thyroid). A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa also contains 11g of fibre. It’s a powerful antioxidant, rich in polyphenols, supports the heart, and boosts energy levels. So eat your chocolate.

Bliss balls

They’re easy to whip up in the blender and will last you the week (well, maybe!). There are tonnes of great recipes for bliss balls out there and of course you can experiment with your own superfood ingredients, but here’s a very simple recipe from Deliciously Ella to get you started. You can also find them pre-made in supermarkets if you are feeling lazy.

Why they’re good for you

Made from raw, natural ingredients, bliss balls are a really good alternative if you have a sweet tooth but want to avoid processed nasties. This recipe contains oats, high in fibre and so a great prebiotic, peanuts (a good source of protein, fats and a whole range of vitamins and minerals), dates (rich in minerals, high in fibre) and cacao powder (rich in polyphenols, a high antioxidant and ‘superfood’ with health benefits including lowering blood pressure, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering risk of heart attack and strokes).

Greek yogurt and berries

A gut healthy and filling snack or desert that takes 5 minutes to prepare. Add berries for anti-oxidant polyphenols and a few nuts, some dark chocolate shavings and/or a drizzle of honey for a really nutritious and filling snack. Always buy natural, preferably organic yogurt (not ‘light’, ‘diet’ or with added flavours) or use a coconut yogurt for a plant-based alternative.

Why it’s good for you

Natural yogurt is a great probiotic food which will keep your microbiome very happy, it’s high in protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin (B2), and selenium. The berries add in fibre, antioxidant polyphenols and plenty of vitamins.

So, next time you’re out shopping skip the biscuits and crisps aisle and stock up on some healthy snacks instead.

If you have any great healthy snack ideas that I can pinch, send them over!