Seven healthy foods to satisfy your sweet tooth

These sweet treats pack fibre, protein and other nutrients you need to lose weight.

Seven healthy foods to satisfy your sweet tooth

Nutrition-wise, sweet treats get a pretty bad rap. After all, they're generally loaded with refined sugar and are a shortcut to weight gain. But just because something's sweet doesn't mean it can't help you lose weight. So we asked nutritionist Kelly Pritchett to share her favorite healthy sweet treats that can help you meet your weight-loss goals. You're welcome.

Dark chocolate

You probably already know that dark chocolate packs more antioxidants and less sugar than its milk counterpart. But get this, dark chocolate is also teeming with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can help decrease food cravings. Plus, according to research from the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Spain, eating a diet rich in MUFAs may help prevent the accumulation of belly fat.

Greek yoghurt

"Whether you top it with a spoonful of honey, sprinkle of cocoa, or handful of fruit, Greek yoghurt is an awesome source of calcium, which can help support healthy weight loss," says Pritchett. "What's more, Greek yoghurt packs two times more protein than regular yoghurt which helps keep you fuller and more satisfied throughout the day," she says.

Chickpeas in cinnamon

Chickpeas are fibre and protein powerhouses, and recent research found that after eating them, people feel 31 per cent fuller than those who don't. "And cinnamon has its own weight-loss benefit as it lowers blood sugar to help keep cravings under control," says Pritchett. Roast chickpeas in the oven for about 30 minutes until crisp and golden and then toss them in cinnamon.

Berries

According to Pritchett, berries are mong the richest sources of antioxidants out there and can help combat inflammation, which research has linked to weight gain. "Plus, they are high in flavor and low in kJs, which sure doesn't hurt when it comes to satisfying cravings while staying healthy," she says.

Chia pudding

Just one ounce of chia seeds packs 40 per cent of your RDA of fibre, which can increase feelings of fullness and aid in weight loss," says Pritchett. Plus, almost all of its fat comes from healthy unsaturated sources, meaning it has true staying power. And while chia seeds don't have much flavour on their own, making them into a pudding with some coconut milk, vanilla, and other goodies only ups their nutritional power.

Frozen bananas

High in filling fibre, bananas seem to taste even sweeter when you freeze them making them a perfect addition to smoothies or a healthy alternative to ice cream. "The potassium in bananas can also help your body deal with water weight from excessive sodium intake and can help decrease bloating," says Pritchett.

Cinnamon dusted popcorn

Without all of the butter and salt, popcorn is a veritable health food. It's low in kJs and high in weight loss-promoting fibre. Toss it with blood sugar-friendly cinnamon, the snack turns sweet and boasts even more staying power.