The biggest problem with losing weight is not the calorie counting headache, or whether you are “burning it right” with back-breaking workouts.
The real problem is – sugar snacking!
We modern humans eat a lot more sugar than we were meant to be, which is also the source of our obesity problems.
So in this article, I’ll show you some awesome snacking solutions that will supercharge your weight loss journey, while helping you reduce your sugar cravings and dependency.
First of all, the simplest tip: let yourself snack on things like nuts or dried fruit in moderation to help you resist candy or ice cream.
according to the site ecellulitis, sugar cravings can also be combated using natural alternative sweeteners, i.e. fresh fruits and nuts. While this might seem to be an entirely counterintuitive approach to avoiding sugar consumption, it does present many advantages.
Provided that you do not have a sensitivity to nuts or nut-based products, this might be an option worth considering.
A sugar-free existence does not mean you cannot consume sugar at all. In fact, most fruits are rich in sugar (hence their sweet taste), but they are completely devoid of processed sugar as well as other artificial sweeteners. These are the real evils you need to steer clear of, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or you are trying to achieve (and maintain your target weight).
Fresh Fruits – The Greatest Weight Loss Snack
Anyone of these fruits would make an excellent substitute for candy and ice cream.
When you feel the urge to snack on a chocolate bar filled with tempting caramel, these fruits will certainly help curb your craving;
Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Cherries, Boysenberries, Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, Cranberries.
Grapes– These come in many different varieties, but the sweetest is the
Cardinal Grapes (sometimes referred to as Sweet Surrender), which is primarily red and have thick skins. These are favored by those who are on a fruit-only diet because they are not only sweet but also remarkably filling.
Tayberry – This is a cross between raspberry and blackberry. It is a very fragrant berry and is often used for making jams and preserves because of its tart but sweet flavor.
Elderberries – These are small, dark berries that grow in clusters that range from black to blue. They are commonly used as fruit ingredients for cakes, jams, syrups, and muffins. These are not overly sweet like sugar, but it entertains the palate sufficiently to take your mind off the forbidden treat.
Note: Berries (especially the wild varieties) are loaded with antioxidants that help prevent premature aging and avoid degenerative diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C; so, while you are successfully avoiding sugar, you are also effectively strengthening your immune system and gums.
Apples – The Jonagold and Red Delicious are among the sweetest and crunchiest red apples available. If you are up for a bit of sour to go with the sweet, you can also go for Granny Smith apples, which are green in color and have a tart flavor.
Peaches and Apricots – These are very low in sugar content and are mostly available year-round. Peaches are particularly ubiquitous as they also come in a canned variety. These fruits are abundant in fiber as well; so, they make for excellent breakfast items as well (for better digestion). Organic peaches are always best, but those you can get in the regular produce section in the supermarket is just fine.
Figs – These are among the most underrated fruits there is, but they make for excellent snack foods. They can be eaten fresh or even grilled or mixed with other year-round fruits.
(Go) Nuts and Dried Fruits For Their Fat Melting Power!
What if you do not particularly like “wet” fruit? Perhaps the hassle of having to cut or peel it doesn’t resonate with you, or you are constantly on the go and do not always have time to shop for fresh produce. You still have a wide range of sugar-free treats that you can munch on, even on the road.
Dried cranberries – These come in snack sizes, which are excellent for when you are stuck in traffic and would want to keep yourself from stopping at the nearest fill-up joint for a candy bar or ice cream. Dried cranberries have a much more intense flavor than their fresh counterparts, and they are strangely more filling. These usually go well with nuts so if you are a snack-mix type of person; this is a good way to indulge without having to resort to sugar.
Dried mangoes – Some of the best-dried mangoes are imported from the Philippines. This South East Asian country is where you can find the sweetest organic mangoes, and the dried ones are just as impressive and delicious as the fresh ones. The export-quality mangoes come unadulterated, which means they are not laced with processed sugar, corn syrup, or any other additive.
Note: Philippine dried mangoes are sold in major airport lounges around the world as well as Asian specialty stores in the US, UK, Australia, and many countries in South East Asia.
Pili Nuts – This is another Philippine delicacy, which grows mainly in the Bicol Region. It is mostly sold as a sweet treat (pili nuts covered in caramel), but unsweetened Pili nuts are also available. They can be requested online, or you can purchase them in certain Filipino stores that sell delicacies.
Almonds – Roasted almonds are under-appreciated mostly because they are commonly found in the chocolate covered variety. These nuts are among the healthiest snacks that would curb not only your appetite for sugar but also your appetite for any junk food. They are best eaten with tart or sweet fruits, but can also be consumed on their own.
Pistachios – These are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and have quite a pleasing flavor that is unique unto itself. While these tend to be on the pricey side, they make for excellent snacks for people who want to avoid sugar as well as saturated fat since pistachios are often roasted.
Cashews – This completes the healthy nut trio, joining pistachios and almonds. These are very cheap so you can stock your pantry full of small cashew packets. These are not as greasy as peanuts and are quite filling as well, making it a great movie snack to replace that caramel popcorn you love so much.
Other nuts and dried fruits that are perfect for curbing your addiction to sugar include hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, and walnuts. These may have a bit of fat in them, but they do not contain processed sugars.
Concluding – Think About Simple Snacks For Fat Loss
One of the causes, why many people fall off the wagon after avoiding sugar for some time, is that they do not know clever ways on how to make fruits and nuts more interesting to eat. This is the number one reason for most people’s weight loss failure. Fresh fruits can always be pureed or blended down into shakes or smoothies or can be served chilled.
Also, some fruits (such as berries and anything that has a tart flavor) would shine even more when topped with Greek yogurt (unsweetened and all natural). It is a lot easier to avoid sugar altogether when you find newer and healthier ways to indulge.
This way, not only will you deprive yourself of some much-needed energy boosters, but will also fill your body with the most essential nutrients, all the while knowing that your fat loss journey is right on its track!
Visit Bonny’s blog at https://skinnybonny.com/what-is-clean-eating/ to read many more such simple practical diet tips to lose weight and gain back your fitness.