6 Zero-Calorie Food Choices for Your Sweet Cravings

Satisfying your sweet cravings without consuming excess calories can be challenging, but don't give up on your diet just yet. There are several zero-calorie or low-calorie options you can consider. 

Some of these options might have minimal calories due to their high water content or fiber. Moreover, they can be great for managing your cravings while staying on track with your dietary goals. 

Plan your meals wisely. Here are some zero-calorie or very low-calorie food choices for your sweet cravings: 

Fruits

Fruit offers convenient nutrient-packed options on the go. No need to feel guilty about these treats. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. From the tangy zest of citrus to the succulent delight of berries, there's a whole world of flavors to explore.1

Whether you're craving something crisp, creamy, or downright refreshing, fruits have got you covered. Here are some fruits to try:

  1. Apple Slices with Cinnamon: Apples are relatively low in calories and when paired with a sprinkle of cinnamon, they can provide a satisfying sweetness.
  2. Oranges and Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines are low in calories and packed with vitamin C.
  3. Cucumber: While not sweet in the traditional sense, cucumbers have a mild flavor and are extremely low in calories, making them a great crunchy and hydrating snack.
  4. Watermelon: Watermelon is a hydrating and refreshing fruit that's naturally low in calories and provides a sweet taste. Plus, it is rich in vitamins A, C, and B6 as well.
  5. Frozen Grapes: Freeze grapes for a sweet and refreshing snack that can be enjoyed one at a time.
  6. Fresh Berries: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are not only delicious but also low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants.
  7. Nutrient-dense apricots contain vitamins C, E, K, and B.2
  8. Homemade Fruit Popsicles: Blend and freeze your favorite fruits to make your own zero-calorie popsicles.

Cereals

Looking for a snack that's both delicious and nourishing? Get packs of cereals. This versatile treat isn't just for breakfast – it's a fantastic option to satisfy your cravings while staying on track with your health goals.3

Grab a bowl and get creative. Pair your favorite cereal with low-fat dairy milk or your preferred unsweetened plant-based milk for a creamy and satisfying experience.

But here's the secret to guilt-free enjoyment: choose cereals that proudly boast 100% whole grains and keep sugar content under a respectable 6 grams per serving.

Dark Chocolate (in moderation):

While not entirely zero-calorie, very dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) has fewer calories than milk chocolate and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Dark chocolate, derived from cacao with high mineral and antioxidant content, contains flavonoids and other compounds that offer potential health benefits.4 Some benefits include reducing free radicals, improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, decreasing "bad cholesterol," reducing inflammation, addressing insulin resistance, enhancing brain function, and increasing gut microbiome diversity.5

Flavanols and polyphenols in dark chocolate possess antioxidant properties that counteract oxidative stress. The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production, aiding blood vessel dilation and lowering blood pressure. Dark chocolate may also reduce LDL cholesterol and possess anti-inflammatory effects. However, moderation is key due to its calorie and fat content. Choosing dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao solids is recommended for maximum benefits.

Honey:

Honey, that delightful golden treat created by honeybees from flower nectar, comes in around 320 unique varieties, each with its own color, scent, and flavor. Packed with a mix of natural sugars, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and antioxidants, honey is more than just a sweetener.6It's a versatile ally in health, with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial powers. People have long turned to honey to soothe coughs and speed up wound healing, especially burns.

Research suggests that different types of honey may aid in heart health, quiet coughs, ease gastrointestinal issues, and even support brain health. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all method for producing honey, it's generally safe for adults and kids over 1 year old.7 So, whether you're seeking relief for a pesky cough, a natural way to treat burns, or exploring its potential in various health conditions, honey could be your sweet solution.

Teas:

Substituting tea for other snacks can be a smart way to enjoy a flavorful treat without adding extra calories. Tea provides a range of flavors and potential health benefits without contributing to your calorie intake.

Additionally, some teas offer antioxidants and potential health perks.8 However, keep in mind that while tea itself is typically very low in calories, adding sweeteners, milk, or other additives can increase the calorie content. To ensure a zero-calorie treat, opt for plain brewed tea or explore different tea varieties to find your favorites. Here are some variants to choose from:

  1. Ginger tea is renowned for its nausea-fighting properties and potential health benefits, containing gingerol antioxidants and trace vitamins/minerals.9It has shown immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory effects, with caution for those on blood-thinning medications.
  2. Chamomile tea, derived from Asteraceae flowers, boasts antioxidant flavonoids and minerals. It may reduce heart disease risk, aid immunity, alleviate PMS symptoms, and combat inflammation.10
  3. Hibiscus tea, made from colorful hibiscus flowers, provides antioxidants and minerals. It's linked to antiviral effects, cardiovascular benefits including blood pressure and cholesterol regulation, yet interactions with certain medications require careful consideration.11

Glucopro® Fiber Supplement

Short on time and craving a delectable snack or drink to satisfy your sweet tooth? Here is a solution that's quick, easy. Say goodbye to the hassle of grocery runs and lengthy preparations – this drink is here to rescue your taste buds in a flash.

Get ready to indulge in a delightful concoction that'll have you wondering why you didn't discover it sooner.

Glucopro® is a dietary fiber supplement containing Resistant Maltodextrin (RMD), a known dietary fiber that’s resistant to digestion and absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract.12It helps maintain healthy digestion, reduce risk for constipation, and raise satiety. In combination with diet and exercise could aid in weight management, blood sugar and cholesterol control.13, 14 On top of that, it is water-soluble, non-gelling and comes in a fun winter melon tea flavor.

Glucopro® Benefits

As an adjunct to diet and exercise, Resistant Maltodextrin help keep blood glucose and cholesterol in check.15

Glucopro® should be taken with each meal. Start by dissolving one (1) sachet of Glucopro® in a glass of 250 mL water (recommended to be served cold), and then consume immediately.

It is available in boxes of 21’s (sachet by 1)at Shopee, Lazada,Mercury Drugstore , Southstar Drugstore, and Watsons.

Who said eating healthy or dieting isn't fun? Try these treats and find what works best for you!

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: Ang Glucopro® ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng sakit.

References: 

  1. Pem, D., & Jeewon, R. (2015). Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Benefits and Progress of Nutrition Education Interventions- Narrative Review Article. Iranian journal of public health, 44(10), 1309–1321.
  2. Olsen, N., & Barrell, A. (2020, March 23). Apricot: Health benefits and nutritional value. Medical News Today. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/apricot-benefits
  3. Williams P. G. (2014). The benefits of breakfast cereal consumption: a systematic review of the evidence base. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 5(5), 636S–673S. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.114.006247
  4. Meeks, S. (2018). Dark chocolate: Health benefits, nutrition, and how much to eat. Medical News Today. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dark-chocolate#summary
  5. Katz, D. L., Doughty, K., & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 15(10), 2779–2811. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697
  6. Zelman, K. M. (2023, February 21). Healthiest Sweet Snacks. WebMD. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-healthiest-sweet-snacks
  7. Honey. (2023, August 10). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-honey/art-20363819
  8. The health benefits of 3 herbal teas. (2021, October 21). Harvard Health. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-3-herbal-te as
  9. Mashhadi, N. S., Ghiasvand, R., Askari, G., Hariri, M., Darvishi, L., & Mofid, M. R. (2013). Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. International journal of preventive medicine, 4(Suppl 1), S36–S42.
  10. Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377
  11. Jalalyazdi, M., Ramezani, J., Izadi-Moud, A., Madani-Sani, F., Shahlaei, S., & Ghiasi, S. S. (2019). Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 10(3), 107–111. https://doi.org/10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18
  12. Shoko Miyazato, et al. (2016) Continuous intake of resistant maltodextrin enhanced intestinal immune response through changes in the intestinal environment in mice. Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health, 2016; 35(1): 1–7. doi: 10.12938/bmfh.2015-009 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4735028/
  13. Watanabe, N., Suzuki, M., Yamaguchi, Y., & Egashira, Y. (2018). Effects of resistant maltodextrin on bowel movements: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, Volume 11, 85–96. https://doi.org/10.2147/ceg.s153924
  14. Livesey, G., & Tagami, H. (2008b). Interventions to lower the glycemic response to carbohydrate foods with a low-viscosity fiber (resistant maltodextrin): meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(1), 114–125. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2008.26842
  15. Hashizume, C., Kishimoto, Y., Kanahori, S., Yamamoto, T., Okuma, K., & Yamamoto, K. (2012). Improvement effect of resistant maltodextrin in humans with metabolic syndrome by continuous administration. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 58(6), 423–430. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.58.423

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