Substituting Sugary Foods with Healthy Alternatives

Certain foods like chocolate, pastries, or chips appeal to most people. These are craving-foods, which are not part of a healthy diet. Now sugary and fatty foods are readily available. Fortunately, there are also healthy alternatives, where you can indulge— while sticking to your healthy diet.

"Sugar gives you an instant high that can be addictive," says Tamara Melton, RD, a wellness nutritionist. Regularily eating sugary foods or snacks will cause your pancreas to secrete insulin, which triggers sugar being pulled out of your bloodstream. Your brain needs that sugar, and so you will want to eat more. This will create an unhealthy cycle which could lead to type 2 diabetes. "To break the cycle, substitute healthy foods like fresh fruits to wean yourself off simple sugars," says Melton. Try plain or vanilla fat-free yogurt with fresh fruit, which contains a lot of fiber and a slight but moderate amount of sugar.