Nothing motivates me more than sweets, and I have always been that way. When I was a child, my mother could get me to preform miracles with the mere mention of a Fruit Roll-Up.
Now that I’m an adult, I’ve graduated to fruit leather – for which I no longer have to move mountains, but rather earn (or so I tell myself) for simply surviving another trip to the grocery store. Indeed, being an adult has its pros and cons.
But autonomy, I’ve learned, comes with responsibility. I have had to become clever to counter my sweet tooth – and just when I think my cravings are in check, here comes Halloween.
If you’re anything like me, Halloween will be served with weeks’ worth of candy binges and sugar crashes. So, this week, dear readers, in honor of all the licorice and lollipops to come, I’d like to share with you a few quick secrets I’ve discovered to tricking my sweet tooth with healthy treats.
One: Frozen fruit. I always keep a stash in my freezer: chopped strawberries or raspberries, whole grapes, or bananas. It’s just like an unrefined Popsicle, but with no added sugar.
Two: Swirl a spoonful of fruit jam into plain yogurt. Greek yogurt works best, as its consistency is creamier and more mousse-like.
Three: Bake an apple. Core it and cook it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle it with cinnamon or honey for a boost of sweetness. Now tell me that doesn’t taste just like an apple pie. (You can’t.)
Stay strong, my fellow sugar fiends. In a few weeks, Halloween candy will be off the shelves. Then, we can begin to worry about overeating this Thanksgiving.