Choosing healthy foods doesn't have to mean totally neglecting your taste buds. As a matter of fact, you can find plenty of sweet, delicious treats that actually promote weight loss—if you know where to look. (Hit the reset button—and burn fat like crazy with Women's Health's The Body Clock Diet!)
We asked three nutrition experts to share their favorites. Choose any of these the next time you're faced with temptation.
Frozen cherries
"Frozen cherries are a smart way to satisfy a sweet craving," says Joy Bauer, R.D.N., health and nutrition expert for NBC's TODAY show, best-selling author of From Junk Food to Joy Food, and founder of Nourish Snacks. "They're like a healthy version of cherry Italian ices. You can enjoy one cup of these icy treats for about 100 calories, and because they're frozen and take a while to eat, you'll stretch out your snack time."
Related: This 150-Calorie Blueberry-Hazelnut Yogurt Bark Will Crush Your Ice Cream Cravings
Chia seed pudding
Tiny, trendy chia seeds are "one of the most effective appetite suppressants," thanks to a combo of healthy fat, protein, and an impressive 11 grams of fiber in just two tablespoons, says Lori Shemek, Ph.D., author of How to Fight FATflammation. (Here are 5 more smart ways to sneak fiber into your diet.) "To create a creamy, decadent sweet treat, simply combine chia seeds, coconut milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Allowing to rest [in the refrigerator] overnight, then top with fruit and shredded coconut."
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Dark chocolate
If you need an excuse to indulge in some chocolate, here it is: "Chocolate is high in flavonoids, plant nutrients that can help stop fat storage, reduce appetite, and lower blood sugar to help curb hunger and cravings," Shemek says. She suggests adding a few cacao nibs to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies, or dipping mandarin or tangerine slices in melted dark chocolate.
Honey roasted almonds
"Research has shown that almonds can be a very integral part of a weight-loss program," says Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet. "The combination of healthy fat, protein, and fiber lends itself to promoting fullness," and the honey will satisfy your sweet tooth. Just stick to a one-ounce serving or the calories and fat can quickly add up and undermine your efforts.
Related: 6 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Almond Milk Again
KIND Dark Chocolate Almond Mint bar
Low in sugar but loaded with protein and fiber, "It's the perfect alternative to a candy bar," says Gans. Toss this portable pick in your purse so you can be ready whenever a craving strikes. (Or try these treats 8 other nutritionists eat when they're craving sugar.)
Yogurt-dipped strawberries
There are few things in nature more delicious than a ripe strawberry, but throw in some yogurt to put this sweet snack over the top. "An abundance of healthy gut flora is important for weight control, and yogurt contains beneficial bacteria," Shemek says, adding that strawberries are also high in the antioxidant anthocyacin, which helps to stop fat storage. She recommends dipping halved or whole strawberries in Greek yogurt and freezing them before eating.
Related: 12 Foods That Taste Even Better Frozen
Pear slices and almond butter
"It's a nutty, sweet, and juicy treat," Shemek says. "The pear is high in fiber, and the almond butter is dense with healthy fat that stops hunger and cravings by balancing blood sugar. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for even more flavor and weight-loss benefits."
Chocolate milk
No need to outgrow your favorite childhood beverage. "An eight-ounce glass of nutrient-rich chocolate milk can satisfy your desire for something sweet while quenching your thirst," Gans says. "The health-promoting benefits of calcium and protein far outweigh the added sugar."
Related: The Simple Way To Make A Creamy Latte Without Any Milk
The article 8 Sweet Snacks That Help You Lose Weight originally appeared on Prevention.
