DESPERATE TO SNACK?
MAKE A SMART SWAP! Top nutrition practitioner Lily Soutter helps us make the switch.
‘Brain-imaging studies have shown that sugar induces euphoric feelings’
MUST HAVE CHOCOLATE?
You want to be soothed. ‘Research has shown that dark chocolate could actually make us feel more calm and content. A square or two a day can satisfy cravings!’ says Lily. But if you can’t stop at two? THE SWAP Try appetitesatisfying natural yogurt with a tablespoon of cacao plus a few drops of stevia for that chocolate flavour without added sugar.
WANT RICH AND CREAMY?
It’s all about comfort! ‘Adding fat to food has satisfying properties, as it triggers areas in the brain responsible for pleasure and reward,’ says Lily. THE SWAP Go for healthy fats – oily fish, nut butter, avocado and seeds. Or try frozen banana blended into ‘ice cream’ topped with crunchy cacao nibs.
LONGING FOR SWEETNESS?
You want a happy high. ‘Cravings can sometimes be psychological rather than physical,’ says Lily. ‘Brain-imaging studies have shown that foods such as sugar induce euphoric feelings.’
THE SWAP ‘For a healthier sweet snack, choose a mix of sugar and fat for their satisfying properties,’ suggests Lily. ‘Try apple dipped in almond butter, or banana with Greek yogurt.’
NEED SALTY CRUNCHINESS?
You could be tired! ‘Research has shown that when we’re sleep deprived, our cravings for foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt increase by as much as 45%,’ warns Lily. THE SWAP ‘Try roasted chickpeas with a sprinkle of spice, unsweetened popcorn with cinnamon, or crunchy roasted peas.’ Try Roasted Peas by Brave, £11.99 for 12 snack packs, bravefoods.co.uk
Lily Soutter is a registered nutrition practitioner (lilysoutternutrition.com)