7 Simple Swaps for Sweet Tooth Cravings

Sweets always bring temptation in the form of decadent desserts and sugary sweets. Preserve your waistline and protect your dental health by swapping traditional favorites with these healthier options.

1. Gingersnaps instead of bread pudding

   Packed with egg yolks, cream and lots of sugar, bread pudding contains more than 600 calories and up to 20 grams of saturated fat. On the other hand, three delicious gingersnaps contain only around 130 calories and a single gram of saturated fat. With that said, because they can get stuck between teeth, gingersnaps can increase your risk of cavities. Ideally, you should brush your teeth shortly after eating. If that's not possible, at least rinse your mouth with water to loosen food particles from between teeth. 

2. Cinnamon tea instead of hot chocolate

   In addition to having less sugar and fewer calories, cinnamon tea may promote healthier blood glucose levels, according to research. 

3. Frozen grapes instead of candies

   Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious natural source of antioxidants and other disease-fighting polyphenols.

4. Apple cider instead of soda

   Soda can pack a huge sugary punch.  Spiced apple cider contains no saturated fat and saves you at least 200 calories per cup. Because it contains a lot of sugar, however, cider isn't a perfect alternative. You can reduce the glycemic load by eating some sliced turkey or handful of nuts along with your cider. You can also fill your plate with a veggie platter to help promote saliva production and rinse away bacteria and acids.

5. Kettle corn instead of caramel popcorn

   Cut down on calories and avoid sticky caramel by choosing kettle corn instead of gooey caramel corn.

6. Baked apples instead of apple pie

   Instead of filling your plate with apple pie, choose baked apples, which have far fewer calories and much less sugar and fat.

7. Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate

   Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which can help prevent weight gain and reduce inflammation, according to studies. Cocoa is very rich in beneficial plant chemicals called flavonols that might help protect the heart. Dark chocolate has two to three times more cocoa solids than ordinary milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is also rich in iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and zinc.