There is no doubt that chocolates and candies are delicious. However, many people think that they are not good for you. In this blog post, we will discuss chocolates and candies that are healthy for you. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Despite their popularity around the world, most candies are made from sugar, artificial flavours, and food dyes, which are not nutrient-dense. Eating it can significantly increase your risk of cavities, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
There are plenty of treats you can enjoy instead of processed candy bars if you want to stay on a balanced diet but crave sweets.
Chocolates And Candies That Are Healthy For You
1. Fresh fruit
The sweetness of fresh fruit comes from the natural fibre, vitamins, and minerals contained in it. In addition to these, fresh fruit may also be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature.
It is unusual for candy to have as many calories as fruits do, and they commonly have a high fibre content.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 1 cup (144 grams) of strawberries provides 46 calories, 3 grams of fibre, and 94% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C.
2. Dried fruit
Dried fruit is nutrient and sugar dense because it is dehydrated, making it even sweeter and more calorie-dense than fresh fruit – so be mindful of your portion sizes.
The research suggests that those who consume dried fruit consume an adequate amount of nutrients, as well as good diet quality. These aspects are associated with a healthier weight.
The dried form of almost any fruit is available, but you should make sure it is sugar-free.
3. Delicious homemade popsicles
The benefits of fruit are all available in homemade popsicles without the extra sugar and artificial ingredients found in packaged varieties.
The fruits may be blended with water, juice, or milk. Popsicle sticks or plastic cups can be used to freeze the mixture in popsicle moulds. Refrigerate the cups overnight before use.
A creamy finish can be achieved by blending with yoghurt — or by inserting a popsicle stick directly into a yoghurt cup and freezing as a quick dessert.
4. Nice cream
Ice cream made from frozen fruit is “nice cream.” It can be made using peanut butter, honey, or coconut milk, and frozen after being blended with optional add-ins.
Here are some easy steps to get you started:
The strawberry-banana ‘nice cream’
Contains:
- Peeled and frozen banana, 1 large
- bag of frozen strawberries (144 grams)
Directions:
The banana should be sliced, and the strawberry should be halved. Pulse the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
5. Frozen fruit
Contrary to popular belief, frozen fruit remains as nutritious as fresh fruit because it is fully ripe before being frozen.
Yummy, simple snacks can be made at home by freezing fruit and yoghurt.
Blueberries covered in frozen yoghurt are delicious
Ingredients:
- Half a cup (148 grams) of blueberries
- Paired with half a cup (200 grams) of low-fat Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Blueberries should be stabbed with a toothpick and dipped in yoghurt, making sure they are fully coated.
- Transfer the blueberries, covered in yoghurt, to the baking sheet.
- Continue with the remaining blueberries and freeze overnight.
6. Veggie and fruit chips
Slices of fruit and veggies are baked before they are turned into chips, giving them their characteristic crunchy texture.
As a result, these chips may lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers by increasing your daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Making your own fruit and veggie chips is more healthy and less expensive than buying store-bought options that might contain added sugar and preservatives.
7. Fruit leather made from fresh fruit
Making fruit leather at home is a fun and easy way to consume many nutrients.
The fruit of your choice is up to you – but choosing high-sugar options like mangoes will make it easier to add less sweetener.
Mango fruit leather
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 cups (330 to 495 grams) of mangoes
- 2–3 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of honey
- Paired with two tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice
Directions:
- Put the mangoes in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Sprinkle with honey and lemon juice and continue to blend.
- The mixture should be spread to a thickness of 1/8-1/4″ (0.3-0.6cm) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast at the lowest temperature in your oven between 140°F and 170°F (60°C and 77°C) for 4–6 hours.
- When cool, remove from the tray.
- Wrap them with parchment paper before rolling them up after cutting into 1-inch (2.5-cm) strips.
8. Energy Balls
It is not unusual for energy balls to contain fibre, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full for a long time.
These breakfast cereals typically contain oats, nut butter, flax seeds, and dried fruit, though you can add almost anything you like to them, from protein powder to chocolate & candy.
You should limit yourself to only one or two per meal, as they contain a lot of calories.
Energy balls dusted in coconut
Ingredients:
- half a cup of raw almonds (72 grams)
- half a cup of raw walnuts (58 grams)
- one cup (73 grams) of raisins
- three pitted dates
- half a teaspoon of cinnamon
- half a teaspoon of vanilla
- about 93 grams of shredded coconut
Put the almonds and walnuts in a food processor and pulse them until they are finely chopped, then add the remaining ingredients – except the coconut – and process until sticky.
As you roll the coconut balls in the shredded coconut, form 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls with your hands.
Conclusion
Candy can be replaced with plenty of healthy, delicious treats.
Sugar and additives are often found in candy, so you should avoid them at all costs. There are some best manufacturers in India. Or you can buy dessert online. Try making yourself a nutritious treat next time you crave something sweet using ingredients you have on hand.