When it comes to weight loss, many people believe that they need to completely cut out sweets and sugar from their diet. However, this is not realistic, nor is it sustainable. While reducing sugar intake can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle and losing weight or trying to hit a weight loss target, it is possible to enjoy sweets every now and again while still reaching your goals. This is why I love the 80:20 approach. Instead of avoiding, we opt for low calorie sweets, and watch our portion sizes!
The problem with trying to cut out sugar completely | Low-Calorie Sweets
Trying to cut sugar completely is just not realistic, nor is it sustainable. This generally results in cutting sugar cold turkey, and after one slip up after a bad day at work, binge eating chocolate and sweets. This causes a cycle of feeling ashamed and guilty, turning to food for comfort, and the cycle repeating itself again.
So, while trying to cut out sugar and sweets cold turkey may seem like the quickest way to fit in that dress you have hanging in your wardrobe, research has shown that it will actually lead to the opposite. It can actually result in binge eating. Instead of the cold turkey route, try to adopt a more gradual and sustainable approach by reducing sugar intake and incorporating healthier options into your diet. Your waistline (and your taste buds) will thank you in the long run.
REMINDER: How many calories should your sweets be?
When losing weight, you can still enjoy sweets and chocolate but it’s important to remember that you need to stick to a calorie deficit diet. Due to this, I recommend snacks and sweets that are 150 calories or less. So if you’re wondering “which sweets are low in calories?”, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are some of the best sweets for weight loss | What are the best sweets for weight loss:
Low calorie sweets and chocolate from Tesco, SuperValue and Dunnes
Jaffa cakes – 46Kcal per cake
Jaffa cakes are a great treat option if you’re trying to lose a few pounds. The McVities and Tesco brand both contain 46Kcal per cake. You can have 3 Jaffa cakes in the evening with the tv and a cup of tea for under 150Kcal. It’s important to start changing your mindset around sweets. While in the past I’d have had many more than 3, now I enjoy my 3 as a treat and stop there.
Ginger Nut Biscuits (Mcvities) – 47Kcal per biscuit
Ginger nut biscuits are also a great option and you can also have 3 for under 150Kcal.
Tesco also have a vegan gluten free version at 49Kcal a biscuit.
Dairy milk 30% less sugar – 35g bar is 176Kcal Low Calorie Chocolate
So this Dairy Milk comes in a little over your 150Kcal target but every now and again it’s ok. There is nothing like a bar of chocolate in the evening while sitting in front of the tv. SuperValue does a larger version but I’d advise sharing that one!
Tunnocks Tea Cake – 106Kcal
These Tunnocks Tea Cakes are 106Kcal per cake, so one pack will do you the whole week. Even better, the “M&S Tea Cake” has just 76Kcal. By opting for this brand, you can have two!
Fun size Milky Way – 69Kcal
Fun size Twix – 99Kcal
Bourbon Biscuit – 68Kcal for both the Tesco and SuperValue Brand
When it comes to Bourbon biscuit, both the Tesco and SuperValue brand are 68Kcal per biscuit. Try and stick to two per day.
Small Milky Bar – 65Kcal per 12g bar
The small Milky Bar is a perfect evening treat. At just 65Kcal per bar it’s very low-calorie. You can have two!
Freddo – 95Kcal
A Freddo is another great chocolate option for those of us on a weight loss plan.
Here are some alternative healthier sweet, sugar and chocolate options for weight loss.
Fresh fruit:
Fresh fruit is a great way to satisfy those sugar cravings while being healthy, getting plenty of fibre and vitamins. Berries in particular are a great option – such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries – as they are especially high in antioxidants and are low in calories.
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Dark chocolate:
If you like dark chocolate, this is a great option for an evening treat. Dark chocolate is a much healthier alternative to milk chocolate and can still help curb cravings for sweets. It’s high in fibre and contains plenty of antioxidants, so it’s an all ‘round great treat. Just be sure to choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids and watch your portion size.
Greek yogurt:
Greek yogurt is a great good source protein has a range of benefits. Due to the high-protein content it will keep you full, keep sugar cravings at bay and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also great for your gut health. Top the yoghurt with a drizzle of honey or a handful of fresh berries, it can make a great, low-calorie dessert.
Sugar-free jelly | Low calorie desserts under 100Kcal
Sugar-free jelly is a popular low-calorie alternative to jelly. It’s made with artificial sweeteners, so it provides a sweet taste without the added sugar. While this is a great low-cal treat for now and again, due to the amount of sweeteners I wouldn’t recommend you have this too regularly.
By incorporating these sweets into your diet, you can enjoy sweet treats while still reaching your weight loss goals. Just be sure to practice moderation and keep portion sizes in check. Happy snacking!
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Meet Jenny, the founder of WeightMatters – an easy-to-implement weight loss program that helps individuals achieve their weight loss goals in a healthy and sustainable way. Jenny has over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She’s passionate about helping people reach their health and fitness goals and has helped countless individuals transform their lives through her program.
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