A sweet snack is a nice indulgence once in awhile, but many sweet snacks are high in calories, sugar and fat. However, there are healthy alternatives that will satisfy your sweet tooth, yet contribute to nutrient intake. Overall, you should eat snacks like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy, HelpGuide.org recommends. Nevertheless, a sweet snack now and then is important to keeping you from feeling deprived and staying on track with healthy habits.
Toast and Jam
Topping whole-grain toast with a few teaspoons of jam is a sweet snack that also has health benefits. The whole grains in the bread contain fiber, which is important for healthy digestion, according to the University of Massachusetts. The jam on top contains sugar, but sticking to one portion will keep it at a reasonable amount while still giving you a taste of the sweetness you want at snack time. Some jam manufacturers offer varieties made with more fruit and fruit juice and fewer preservatives, which increases the amount of vitamins you get from the fruit and decreases its sugar content.
Dried Fruit
Eating a portion of dried fruit gives you the energy to get to the next meal. Fruit has natural sugars, which makes it sweet tasting, while also being low in fat and high in nutrients, reports Family Education. Good choices include dried cherries, apricots and mangoes. And they make a better choice than a candy bar for a sweet snack. Fruit is an important source of vitamins A and C, which are vital for healthy eyes and wound healing, respectively, the University of Massachusetts notes. Dried fruit can be eaten alone or mixed into a trail mix with a few pretzels and a small amount of dry cereal.
Ants on a Log
A classic childhood snack made from celery, peanut butter and raisins provides many health benefits at the same time that it can satisfy a sweet snack craving. Peanut butter is sweet, but provides a healthy dose of protein, which is important for healthy body tissues and cells, the University of Massachusetts mentions. Spreading peanut butter on a piece of celery and topping it with a few raisins gives the celery a little crunch and an extra shot of sweetness. Raisins are a good source of iron, a nutrient that is essential in your body for proper oxygen flow within your cells and blood vessels.
Dark Chocolate
When a chocolate craving hits, it may be hard to have the willpower to resist temptation, but a small portion of dark chocolate can satisfy you while giving some benefits to your health. According to Family Education, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radical damage in your body. In addition, dark chocolate can help prevent clogged arteries, stabilize blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Dark chocolate still contains a high number of calories so you should have one portion and be done to prevent the risk of gaining weight. Dark chocolate with at least 65 percent cocoa offers the most healthy benefits.
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