There’s really no point in denying a sweet tooth. It seems like the harder we try to push off a craving for something sweet, the more we want it. Instead, give in—just make sure that the something sweet you choose is natural. Here are some delicious ways to do just that—no matter what time of day that sweet calling kicks in.
Breakfast
Ever find yourself sneaking a sugary cereal in the house? Hey, we’ve tried all the “good for you” kinds, and they always seem to come up empty when you’re looking for something sweet. But there’s something new you’ve gotta try—look for Kashi® Honey Sunshine®. It’s an all-natural cereal that’s surprisingly sweet. So you get whole grains, fiber, all the things you look for in a smart cereal paired with the sweet flavor you want (from natural sources like honey and fruit concentrate). Even the kids won’t be able to tell it’s something good for them—imagine that!
Lunch
Whether your main meal is a salad, sandwich, or leftovers, fruit is the way to add sweetness here. To make it really feel like a splurge, pick up some fruits you’ve never had before. Slices of kiwano fruit can be eaten like a melon and have a mildly sweet flavor like bananas and lemons. Or try some mixed dried fruit—like apples, nectarines, and figs.
Snack
Okay, so this is the hard part—there are so many sugary snacks calling out. But try this (it works for a lot of women we know): Go back to that cereal. When you think about it, it’s the perfect snack—easy to grab and take on the go, packed with good stuff to get you through the afternoon, and no artificial ingredients that’ll lead to a crash later. Keep some Honey Sunshine in the kitchen and in the car or your desk at work.
Pre-exercise
It’s so easy to just grab an energy bar or sports drink, but stop and look at the ingredients first. A lot are loaded with additives. Hey, it’s simpler and healthier to enjoy a dollop or two of honey. And some science even says it’s the perfect pre-exercise boost. Mix it with a little peanut butter, and dip in some apple slices.
Dinner
Sure, grandma’s traditional sweet potato recipe calls for a marshmallow and brown sugar topping, but give raw honey a try. You can also drizzle this sweet topping on butternut squash and acorn squash.
Dessert
Steer past that grocery-store apple pie the next time you’re food shopping. Sure, it’s convenient. But here’s a little secret substitute that has more redeeming nutritional qualities and comes together pretty quickly: Dice up an apple and toss in 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and a dash of apple pie spices. Top with a sprinkle of oats. Then warm it all up in the microwave. Sweet!
Ready to try that Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal everyone’s raving about? Check it out here.
by Mottise on 9/9/2009
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
