I love candy. When I was young, my mom didn’t allow us to have any in the house. So now that I am an adult, I gobble candy like it’s Halloween every day. Okay maybe not that much, but I definitely like to eat bits of candy or chocolate on a daily basis.

Hey I can even justify that chocolate has great antioxidants! But it doesn’t stop there. Some of us like the super sweet coffee concoctions. Cakes, pies, pastries and cookies are other weaknesses. But we know that this processed refined sugar is not the best for our health. So what are great ways to satisfy the sweet tooth but yet still remain healthy-ish.  The “ish” counts…

1.   Fruit

There is a lot of sugar in fresh fruits. But the sugar comes from a natural source and is better for your body. Fruits are always cheaper in season so look to load up on delicious fresh fruits to satisfy your sweet urge.

From berries to melons, fresh fruit is a tasty, and healthy alternative. Remember balance! Overeating fruit can also be damaging. Too much of one thing will create an inbalance in your body.

So instead of your favorite gummies, try an apple instead.

2.   Dried Fruits/Trail Mix

What? I know I just mentioned fruits, but I categorize dried fruits in another section altogether. Dried fruits are a great way to mimic candy. The texture and taste of dried fruits can ease the pain from candy withdrawal. Plenty of wonderful dried fruits are available at grocery and health food stores.

My favorites are dried apples, mangoes, and berries. I love the tart taste and chewy texture and I am quite happy munching on these rather than some taffy or pie.

Be sure to study the label. Many dried fruits are laced with sugar. Avoid these, for you will defeat the point of eating fruit.

Trail mixes are available as well. These often have dried fruit, granola, nuts, and sometimes bits of chocolate. Trail mixes are great for energy and a good source of protein and vitamins.

3.   Yogurt

Yogurt to me is like pudding! I enjoy eating yogurt as if it were dessert. There some brands that have different textures and constancies that can assist you in this.

Again choose brands that are low in sugar but high on taste. Be careful of some fruit-on-the-bottom yogurts. These are high in syrup and sugars.

You can choose brands that have dual purposes. Yogurt is high in active cultures that are beneficial for your body and digestion.  So not only can you enjoy a healthy dessert, you can increase your calcium and supplemental intake.

4.   Granola Bars

You have to be careful with this one. A granola bar can simply be a cookie or candy bar disguised as a health treat. The problem is a lot of these granola bars are as healthy as a Snickers bar. Sure they have nuts and fruits in them, but they are also high in fat, sugar, and calories.

Read the labels. Look at what is processed and what is organic. Know what is good for you and stay away from what is not.

There are some wonderful energy and granola bars out there that provide a sweet taste, but with low calories and high protein/energy. Many granola bars offer whole grains which is great for your diet.

5.   Cereal

A good tasty bowl of cereal is another healthy treat. Trust that I love Lucky Charms and Cocoa Puffs like the next kid. However these may not be the best thing for you if you want to reduce the refined sugar in your life.

Now you don’t have to resort to untasty blasé cereals. There are some great options out there. From dried fruits and granola, to cinnamon and honey, cereals can provide a sweet tooth punch, while not packing the sugar content. A yummy bowl of cereal for dessert is a great alternative.

Again read the label! It easy, once you get the hang of it.

What are your healthy Sweet Tooth alternatives?