All our senses naturally start to weaken as we age. Combined with other health conditions, there are various ways in which our sense of taste especially is affected. If you are experiencing this life change, you may have a decreased appetite or insist on adding excessive amounts of sugar or salt to your dishes. While you cannot do much about the normal changes that come with age, there are many healthy alternatives when it comes to satisfying sweet cravings.
Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings with Dark Chocolate
Instead of not indulging in what you enjoy at all, it is better to introduce healthier choices that suit your tastebuds. Something almost everyone enjoys is dark chocolate, which contains compounds packed with nutritious polyphenols and antioxidants which are linked to preserving the mind, enhancing memory, and improving cognition. Its properties also aid in lowering the risk of issues in our digestive system, making it easier to satisfy your cravings without increasing the chances of constipation, heartburn, and gas. There are many ways to add dark chocolate to a diet, and the most delicious ways include:
- Dipping fruits in melted dark chocolate
- Topping plain whole-grain crackers or bread with dark chocolate
- Freezing melted dark chocolate into a popsicle stick for an on-the-go snack
Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings with Frozen Fruit
Fruits contain essential nutrients to your body and are low in calories, sodium, and fat. They are also a great alternative to candies since most fruits are naturally sweet, making them the perfect snack or dessert for someone who has sweet cravings. Smoothies are the perfect vehicle for hidden nutrition. The most popular fruits for smoothies are strawberries, bananas, and mangos. Try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and a dollop of yogurt for added protein. Other fruit-based treats you may enjoy include:
- Acai bowls
- Sherbet served with sliced fruits
- Plain yogurt with nuts, fruits, and a drizzle of honey
Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings with Sweet Potatoes
Don’t forget to add sweet potatoes to your list of healthy alternatives to sweets. Besides satisfying cravings, these also leave people feeling full. Its benefits include containing cancer-fighting properties and being great for brain function and vision. You can choose to prepare sweet potatoes baked, roasted, or boiled, and have them whole or cut into cubes in a bowl. For added health benefits and flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon powder over the sweet potatoes and have it like a snack. There is so much space for creativity when it comes to creating healthy alternatives that satisfy sweet cravings.
Why Choose Aston Gardens At Sun City Center?
Limiting the consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and you may need help when it comes to managing nutrition. At Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, residents are offered a wide array of programs designed to help them maintain social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual wellness, like Sensations Dining – a restaurant-style dining experience where you or your loved one can enjoy fresh, nutritious meals three times a day.
If you have any inquiries about living in Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
