4 Low-Sugar Treats to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Reviewed May 2022

Earlier this week, we spoke with Eleanor Strang, Registered Nutritional Therapist and advisor for Dr. Morton's Medical Helpline, about how we can eat well and better manage our blood sugar. It's always important to pay attention to how the food we put on our plate affects how our body feels; and during pregnancy, that's more important than ever.

On paper, the science behind it all makes sense; we know that sugary and processed food isn't very good for us, but that logic doesn't stand a chance against serious hungerpangs and sweet tooth cravings. The solution? Be prepared for these moments.

We like to stay ahead of our sweet tooth temptations by keeping healthy treats & snacks on hand that satisfy those 4pm sugar cravings without spiking our blood sugar. The key is to pair something sweet with a bit of protein, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates, therefore stabilizing your blood sugar levels.

Need some quick and easy low-sugar treats to satisfy your sweet tooth? Read on for some of our favorites!

Black bean brownies

We know, we know...it sounds weird. But trust us, these fudgey, delicious will fool anyone!

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans (well rinsed)

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 melted coconut oil (or butter)

• 1 cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp. sea salt

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped

• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

How to make it:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F/ 170 C

2. Pulse well-rinsed black beans, eggs, and melted coconut oil in a food processor until smooth.

3. Add remaining ingredients (except walnuts and chocolate) and blend until smooth.

4. Stir in dark chocolate chunks, and spread mixture into a lightly greased pan (or muffin tin). Top with crushed walnuts, and bake for 20-25 minutes for muffins, or 40-45 minutes for pan (or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean).

Green goddess smoothie

Refreshing, sweet, and full of fiber–you'll love this healthy pick-me-up!

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen bananas

• 1/2 cup water or milk 

• 2 handful spinach/kale

• 1 kiwi

• 1 tablespoon almond butter (or sub 1/4 ripe avocado)

How to make it:

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender.

Apple oatmeal cookies

Your kids will love these...and so will you!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup whole wheat flour

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup maple syrup or honey

• 1 apple, finely chopped

How to make it:

1. Whisk flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together until well combined.

2. Melt coconut oil and beat in egg, vanilla, and honey.

3. Pour the dry into wet ingredients and stir until just combined, then fold in the apple chunks and oats. Don’t overmix!

4. Cover bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

5. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 mins, or until the edges begin to brown.

Berry & yogurt parfait

Low-sugar berries are rich in antioxidants, and the protein in the greek yogurt will maintain satiety while stabilizing your blood sugar.

Inspired by Kristine’s Kitchen

Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

• 1/4 cup honey & almond granola

How to make it:

1. Place all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

We love seeing you get inspired by these recipe ideas, so if you try any of them out, be sure to share on Instagram and tag us @baby2bodyofficial.

And don’t forget, we have loads of delicious, healthy, pregnancy-safe recipes in the Baby2Body app!

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