13 Healthy Alternatives To Candy

Candy is popular all over the world. They are prepared mostly from sugar, artificial flavors and colors that supply calories, but very little nutritional value.

If you feel like eating something sweet, but want to stick to a balanced diet, there are many treats you may prefer instead of processed candy. Choose a healthy option over an artificial one to reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Diversify each time using some of these 13 healthy and delicious alternatives to candy:

1. Fresh fruit

We all know the health benefits of eating fruit. They are naturally sweet and rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Unlike sweets, fruits are usually low in calories and high in fiber. For example, 1 teaspoon (144 grams) of strawberries provides only 46 calories, 3 grams of fiber and 94% of the daily requirement of vitamin C.

2. Dried fruits

As the fruits are dried, their nutrients and sugar are highly concentrated, which makes them even sweeter and more caloric than fresh fruits. Limit the portions you eat. You can find almost all dried fruits, but make sure they do not contain added sugars.

Studies suggest that people who often eat dried fruit take in a good range of beneficial nutrients. And in combination with a balanced diet and physical activity, healthy weight maintenance is achieved.

3. Homemade ice lollies

Homemade ice lollies deliver all the health benefits of the fruit without the added sugars and artificial ingredients contained in the packaged species.

To prepare them, blend the fruit (optional) with water, juice or milk. Pour the resulting mixture into molds for ice lollies or ice, put sticks in the center of each lollipop and freeze overnight.

If you prefer the texture to be creamy, blend the fruit with yogurt. Another option is to simply put a stick in a yogurt tin and freeze for a quick dessert.

4. Fruit ice cream

Fruit-based ice cream is prepared by blending frozen fruit with an additive of your choice (peanut butter, honey or coconut milk). The resulting mixture is frozen.

5. Frozen fruits

Contrary to popular belief, frozen fruits retain the nutrients of fresh fruits because they are fully ripe before being frozen.

At home, you can prepare frozen blueberries covered with yogurt for a quick and easy snack.

Dark chocolate covered strawberries are another way to reap the benefits of dark chocolate. Moreover, strawberries are rich in
antioxidants and vitamins that can help prevent heart disease. To prepare them, dip the fruit in melted dark chocolate, place on parchment paper and freeze for 15-20 minutes.

6. Fruit and vegetable chips

To prepare fruit or vegetable chips, cut the selected products into thin slices and bake them to get a crispy texture. Such chips increase the daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Instead of buying chips from the store, which may contain added sugars and preservatives, make your own by following one of these recipes for homemade coconut chips , baked carrot chips or healthy apple chips with icing .

7. Energy candies

Energy candies are usually made with beneficial ingredients that provide enough fiber, protein and healthy fats to keep you full. Oatmeal, nut tahini, seeds and dried fruits are the most common ingredients used to prepare them. You can add almost anything you want - from protein powder to chocolate chips.

Energy candies contain a lot of calories, so try to limit yourself and not overdo it.

Try this delicious recipe for energy candies from dried fruits and almonds .

8. Homemade roasted nuts with honey

Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which can promote heart health by reducing the risk factors for heart disease. Studies show that eating nuts can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 3 to 19%.

Nuts are high in fiber, high quality protein and nutrients. Roasted walnuts with honey are the perfect sweet and savory treat. Try to prepare them when you decide to replace unhealthy candies with something tasty and useful.

9. Chocolate chips with coconut

Dark chocolate is known for its high content of antioxidants that can improve heart health, brain function and insulin sensitivity.

Coconut is an excellent source of medium chain triglycerides (a type of fat) that can help with
weight loss as well as fat metabolism and gut health.

The sweetness of coconut chips masks the slight bitterness of dark chocolate. You can easily and quickly prepare chocolate chips with coconut at home .

10. Homemade granola

Nuts, seeds, cereals, dried fruits and chocolate are commonly used to make granola. This rich mix provides fiber, protein and many other beneficial nutrients.

Store-bought granola or muesli can be high in sugar, so it's best to make it at home. For a healthy option, choose  homemade granola with seeds and dried fruits  .

11. Healthy biscuit dough

The raw biscuit dough is prepared without eggs. For a healthier option, use chickpeas instead of flour to increase the content of fiber and protein, vitamins and minerals. One cup (164 grams) of cooked chickpeas contains 15 grams of high quality protein and 13 grams of fiber. Consumption improves heart health and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Try the recipe for biscuit dough with chickpeas .

12. Avocado and chocolate pudding

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and other beneficial plant compounds that provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate and potassium. Studies show that the fat and fiber in avocados can reduce appetite, which is essential for controlling a healthy weight.

You can make a creamy pudding by mixing avocado with a few simple ingredients such as cocoa powder and a sweetener of your choice. Try the recipe for chocolate pudding with banana, avocado and honey , which is a very good substitute for candy and confectionery.

13. Baked apples

Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other useful nutrients. An average-sized apple, which weighs about 182 grams, contains 17% of the daily requirement of fiber, vitamin C and powerful plant compounds, including polyphenols, which can protect against chronic diseases.

Studies show that people who eat apples regularly have a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and weight gain. To prepare this delicious dessert, follow the recipe for baked apples with butter and cinnamon .