Sweet Shoppe: Healthy Candy Subsitutes

Sometimes your cravings get the best of you and you give in to the chocolate bar calling your name in the checkout aisle. Maybe to you, the delicious taste of your favorite candy bar is worth all the calories and fat you’re consuming. But what if you could have that sweet fix and still feel good about it? Here are some alternatives to candy bars that will satisfy your cravings without blowing your healthy diet.

>> Read more: 12 Skinny Swaps to Try

REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups

Try this: When you really want that sweet and salty combination that is arguably the best pair in history, put half a tablespoon of peanut butter on a small, one-ounce square of dark chocolate. That way, you’re cutting out all that sugar but still getting the taste you love along with some heart-healthy antioxidants and filling protein.

Milky Way

Try this: Instead of vanilla syrup, make a vanilla latte with a half cup of 2 percent milk and use a teaspoon of real vanilla extract. You’ll get the creaminess of the caramel and a little something sweet to satisfy your craving.

Crunch Bar

Try this: To get that crunchy texture at a better cost, set aside a few minutes to put together a healthy alternative. Melt six ounces of dark chocolate and then stir in one cup of puffed brown rice cereal. Put some parchment paper on a cookie sheet and spread the mixture evenly. Refrigerate it for half an hour or until it’s cool, then cut it into bars and enjoy! (via Woman’s Day)

>> Try this recipe: Healthy Dark Chocolate No-Bake Bars

Skittles

Try this: Toss some grapes into the freezer for a fruity, sweet treat to take the place of that rainbow of sugar. Try berries for another crunchy alternative.

Snickers

Try this: Toss one ounce of almonds in a teaspoon of hot cocoa powder for your midday snack. It’s subtly sweet and the almonds offer protein, healthy fat and fiber in lieu of a fattening candy bar.

>> Read more: Weird Chocolate Pairings That Will Seduce Your Taste Buds

Peanut M&Ms

Try this: Keep dry roasted peanuts and dark chocolate chips on hand for when you simply can’t resist. Mix one ounce of peanuts with one tablespoon of dark chocolate for your treat. The more cocoa in the chocolate, the better! (via Women’s Health)

Cookies’n’Creme

Try this: In half of a cup of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt, mix a small handful of crumbled chocolate Teddy Grahams. It’s sweet, creamy, crunchy and chocolatey. Plus, it has a hefty amount of protein to keep you going.

Almond Joy

Try this: Get your mix on with two tablespoons of dark chocolate chips, an equal amount of unsweetened coconut flakes and 12 roasted almonds. Woman’s Day suggests adding a small handful of popcorn for a little something extra.

>> Try this recipe: Toasted Coconut Kettle Corn

These healthy alternatives for your favorite candy bars are quick and easy, especially if you keep the ingredients on hand. One box of hot cocoa powder can go a long way for your substitute Snickers snack. Don’t forget to savor each bite for several moments; if you eat it too quickly, you might not get the same satisfaction. Let your brain register that you’re eating something yummy and enjoy it!

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