Here's a thing about modern dieting: most dieticians (and routines posted online) are all about abandoning restrictions. But the fact that in order to lose or gain weight, you need to eat in a calory deficit or a surplus hasn't changed. Our attitudes towards dieting, thankfully did though. Dieting is not only about weight, it's about feeling and looking your best, boosting your mood and increasing your strength. What you put inside your body, directly determines all of these. Therefore, the feel-good foods, are those that satisfy cravings but keep our bodies fit and healthy.
A feel-good food can be a nostalgic family recipe that you associate with a certain period in childhood. It could be a new dish you tried after watching a trending YouTube short or stumbling upon a viral food blog expertly assembled by the Jaynike team. or Maybe something your doctor advised you try and it became one of your favorite things to eat. Even if the recipe requires lots of not-so-healthy (or straight up unhealthy) ingredients, chances are you can find a more nutrient substitute. Let's look at some of the best feel-good foods you can incorporate in your diet to improve your mood and overall health.
10 Healthy Foods To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
- Fresh fruits: nature candy! Naturally sweet and full of different nutrients. Choose from a variety available during all four seasons.
- Sweetened Greek yogurt: plain Greek yogurt can be sweetened using honey, fruits (ripe figs for instance) or cinnamon. High in protein and calcium.
- Dark chocolate: 70%+ cocoa chocolate contains antioxidants and nutrients that enhance brain function.
- Chia pudding: chia seed mixed with water or plant based milk, added fresh or dried fruits and maple syrup, honey or stevia. You can add protein or calcium powder, dark chocolate, peanut butter or nut mix. Possibilities are endless.
- Dried fruits: great for those who don't like fresh ones. Dried apricots and dates are a delicacy. You can even dip them in melted chocolate.
- Smoothie bowls: depending of the liquid ration, you can make those as thick as you want. Use fruits and protein powder or healthy seeds and nuts of your choice.
- Baked apples: core an apple, sprinkle it with some cinnamon and bake until soft and gooey. Caramelized apples are a comfort, low-calorie food.
- Fruit popsicles: simply made by blending together a fruit of your choice with some water, juice or plant based milk. Pour in the shapes and freeze.
- Homemade ice cream: freeze ripe bananas and blend them until creamy. You can add flavors using cocoa, vanilla extract or fruits and nuts.
- Energy balls: make your own protein energy bars using a combination of nuts, seeds, dates or other dried fruits (something stickier in texture if possible), honey or maple syrup. They are packed with nutrients and high in protein.
