How can you replace sweets in your diet to avoid losing your zest for life?

Today, October 18, is World Sugar Day. Of course, we understand that holidays are meant for enjoyment, but we recommend not going overboard on dessert. Now that the healthy eating trend has gained popularity, it is possible to supplement sugar-free dopamine. We contacted experts to find out how traditional desserts can be transformed without losing the joy of life.

Sergei Leonov, chef, founder of the online academy of healthy nutrition “ZOZhigai”, author of master classes on anti-aging cuisine, noted that you can pamper yourself with delicious desserts, but the constant desire for sweets should warn you:

“One of the causes of such appetites may be ordinary fatigue. As a result of lack of energy, the body tries to replenish it by taking carbohydrates, especially from sweets. Instead, it is better to take some rest, change your activity for a while or go to the spa; “It certainly won’t get any worse.”

Sergei Leonov listed insomnia and hunger among other reasons for the thirst for sweets: “A faithful friend of the modern rhythm of life. If you don’t want to gain extra weight, add a few hours to your sleep. Also, if you are hungry, you may really crave sweets. In this case, there are not enough calories in the body, and the most economical and easiest way to compensate for this deficiency is by quickly eating a cake or chocolate.”

Sergei Leonov presented a chickpea dessert recipe, clearly showing that desserts can be not only delicious, but also healthy.

Contents:

Boiled or canned chickpeas 230 g

Sugar-free peanut butter 100 g

Cocoa 40 g (adjust as needed)

Jerusalem artichoke syrup 70 g (can be diluted 1/1 to taste, e.g. with erythritol)

Cinnamon

Ingredients for filling and decoration:

Roasted almonds 50 g

coconut flakes

How to cook:

Beat all the ingredients with a blender until smooth.

Shape into balls, add roasted almonds and roll in coconut. Put it in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Trichologist and nutritionist Victoria Tolstonosova listed products that can replace regular sweets and stay in a good mood:

1. Berries or fruits. Its natural sweetness, vitamins and fiber content will benefit your body.

2. Dried fruits. Raisins, dried apricots, dates or dried apples are good sources of natural sugar. However, since their calories are higher than fresh fruits, it is useful to pay attention to portions.

3. Nuts and seeds. Mixing nuts with honey or natural chocolate will fill you up with healthy fats and proteins.

4. Yogurt and cottage cheese. Low-fat yoghurts with honey or chopped fruit are a delicious dessert. Cottage cheese with strawberries will provide you with the necessary proteins and calcium.

5. Dark chocolate. If you love chocolate, choose a bar with a high cocoa content (70% or more). It contains less sugar and more antioxidants.

6. Healthy desserts: banana pancakes, fruit and yoghurt smoothies or chia seed puddings.

7. Honey and syrups. Use honey, agave or maple syrup as natural sweeteners in a variety of foods and beverages.

However, Tolstonosova points out that healthy desserts should also be consumed in moderation: “Find a balance that will bring you joy and benefit. “Also remember the importance of good nutrition and physical activity.”

We have previously told you how you can reduce the harm of sweets and alcohol.