In search of Lower carb/sugar sweet suggestions

farmers_daughter
farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
in Recipes
I'm looking for something sweet, my sweet tooth is telling me Mt. Dew, milk chocolate and whatever those birthday treats are in the cube down from me. LOL

What I don't need is people telling me everything in moderation...I know that already, I'm looking for new Lower carb/sugar recipes for something that is not savory.

Thank you!

Replies

  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,831 Member
    Clementines are a great sweet. And right now it's cherry season and those are wonderfully sweet. For more of a dairy-type sweet -- a glass of milk with a capful of vanilla extract is good. A couple tablespoons of honey stirred into some plain Greek yogurt.

    I found diet drinks with artificial sweeteners drove almost insurmountable sweet cravings. When I quit my Diet Coke addiction and stopped putting Sweet'n'Low in my tea and coffee, those desperate sweet cravings calmed down -- not immediately but within a week. This isn't true for everyone but it is for some of us and there's some research showing it's a true effect of artificial sweeteners for some.

    Back to sweet treats: those little single serving cups of pineapple in its own juice, applesauce ...

    Need to bake something sweet to serve for dessert? Try a clafouti -- very little flour and relatively little sugar for a tasty, easy dessert. It's basically a very thin batter poured over sweetened fruit and baked. There are lots of recipes online.

    Ooh -- a fruit smoothie -- milk + fruit + a little honey in the blender. Freeze a banana or some blueberries and whir those with milk or milk and yogurt to get something really wonderful.

    I'm sure others have lots of good ideas. No chocolate on my list because it gives me a headache. Sigh. I miss chocolate.
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    Oh Heidi! I love you!
  • bane0317
    bane0317 Posts: 60 Member
    I agree with the artificial sweetener advice. While I still have diet soda at night I have decreased my usage a good deal. If I want iced tea I get ~80% unsweet and ~20% sweet - it gives it just enough to make it sweet but not as much as normal. I also use real sugar instead of Splenda in my coffee now. I don't feel like I am constantly wanting something sweet! I understand the "moderation" comments!

    I figure I am better off with a few extra calories from real sugar and not having the cravings than eating a lot of artificially sweetened items that make me overeat even more.
  • rockstrong
    rockstrong Posts: 32 Member
    Heidi's Clafouti recipe works for me! And my family likes it too. It's great for my sweet tooth or a hunger spell without adding loads of calories.
  • zcb94
    zcb94 Posts: 3,678 Member
    I actually swear by artificially sweetened everything. Splenda is actually made from sugar, out of which the makers took everything bad. Therefore, it might not offer so many adverse effects.

    Sugar-free candy is my vice!

    If you really need to add a bit of sugar to your day, adjust the rest of your day so you can "afford" it.
  • runmama262
    runmama262 Posts: 7
    If there are birthday treats in the cube down from you, I suppose you don't have a blender handy. But I'll share anyway... Just made these yesterday and they're amazing! Both my 9 and 14 year old sugar addicts loved it too.

    1 frozen banana
    1 cup almond milk (we used regular unsweetened)
    1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
    1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder

    Blend it up... it's like a milkshake :)
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    Haha I always seem to get the impression that those "moderation" comments are just thrown in at the end of a response telling you to cut loose. The responders never know how often you've "allowed yourself a treat" so its not too useful to hear.

    I usually opt for an herbal tea (peach or raspberry flavour) when I'm truly not hungry or for Mio in water.

    Maybe you could consider buying those little halloween sized Smartie (M&M) packs and eat that... or buy some bulk chocolate and separate it into little packets before eating it. And then have only one with you at a time.

    Fruit is always a good option :) And if you have to prep it, maybe dip just the tips into some melted dark chocolate it would feel like a real treat when you go to eat them later.

    MMM or dip the fruit in yogurt and FREEZE them! AH that would be yummy.
  • conniehgtv
    conniehgtv Posts: 309 Member
    I am stuck on iced coffee with sugar free French Vanilla creamer. i never like dcoffe until I tried it iced. I am also in love with the French Vanilla creamer, it is sweet and creamy and flavorful. I also comes in premeasure containers so I don't go overboard. I put it in oatmeal with crush walnuts,YUM! Smash a bannana add a little whipped peanut butter, throw an the creamer and freeze for about an hour. Try over fresh fruit,think strawberries and cream. The creamer comes in alot of other flavors, but I stuck on French Vanila, LOL, Hope this helps!!
  • mrbyte
    mrbyte Posts: 270 Member
    I like my diet snapple. and sugar free jello and whipped cream for the ultra low carb treat.
  • asdowe13
    asdowe13 Posts: 1,951 Member
    Diet mountaint dew. Zero calories I think!
  • sparkerxoxo
    sparkerxoxo Posts: 18
    Protein shakes made with unsweetened almond milk work well for me! or a very small package of the darkest chocolate you can find (the darker the chocolate the less sugar is in it...typically)
  • Eleanorjanethinner
    Eleanorjanethinner Posts: 563 Member
    If I want a little sweet thing, I eat a couple of marshmallows with a cup of coffee, or suck on one boiled sweet. I have also had a fun size Milky Way or Crunchie bar when I have a few more calories to play with.

    Heidi has lots of good ideas.

    I also suggest making sure you drink lots of water and eat a fair amount of low fat protein to keep cravings at bay.
  • Four_Leaf_Clover
    Four_Leaf_Clover Posts: 332 Member
    I really enjoy the Dole chocolate covered banana slices - 4 chunks for 100 calories. I hear they also have strawberries. It is not low carb per se (bananas with dark chocolate) but it is portion controlled and low calories and very satisfying.
  • Snip8241
    Snip8241 Posts: 767 Member
    Iced coffee,
    8 ounces coffee two equal, 2tbsp fat free half and half. Place in a large glass with lots of ice.

    Cold, sweet. Does the trick for me.
  • Sarasari
    Sarasari Posts: 139 Member
    My weakness is Peanut Butter, so when I found this I was in heaven: Core an apple slice into rings, spread lightly with low fat peanut butter. Sprinkle lightly with coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. You don't need a lot of any of the toppings. It is very filling. My daughter loves it too, so it's a great treat to share.
  • boolz
    boolz Posts: 61 Member
    I do this when I want a sweet breakfast, but it would be good for dessert, too:

    - frozen flax or high protein waffle, toasted
    - top with .5 C low fat ricotta, optionally sweetened with a little truvia
    - top that with: three or four strawberries, sliced

    The ricotta is a good protein boost, so it's filling without being heavy.
  • BarbieAS
    BarbieAS Posts: 1,414 Member
    I do NOT have a sweet tooth, but there's still once in awhile where I do need something a little bit sweet that's not fruit. (For example, I'd MUCH MUCH rather have a blueberry muffin or scone than a cupcake, you know?) One of my recent faves - toast with peanut butter and honey. I do a slice of whatever sort of toast fits my day (I vary between that 35 calorie/slice bread (that's mostly air, lol) when I'm short on calories and/or need some fiber, and Trader Joe's sprouted wheat bread when I have a few more calories and/or want a bit more protein), with a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter (I like the Trader Joe's stuff because it's a little thinner, so it's easier to spread around and feel like you're getting more bang for your buck, so to speak) and tiny bit of honey (I put my toast on the food scale and weigh out 4 grams....it doesn't seem like a lot, but it's JUST enough sweetness).
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    How does fat free half and half even exist? It doesn't make sense. The more fat you take out the more "skimmy" it becomes. Like... half and half means 10%. So if it doesn't have 10% it's not half and half anymore?
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    Diet mountaint dew. Zero calories I think!
    Diet Mt Dew tastes like ick. LOL!
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    Haha I always seem to get the impression that those "moderation" comments are just thrown in at the end of a response telling you to cut loose. The responders never know how often you've "allowed yourself a treat" so its not too useful to hear.

    I usually opt for an herbal tea (peach or raspberry flavour) when I'm truly not hungry or for Mio in water.

    Maybe you could consider buying those little halloween sized Smartie (M&M) packs and eat that... or buy some bulk chocolate and separate it into little packets before eating it. And then have only one with you at a time.

    Fruit is always a good option :) And if you have to prep it, maybe dip just the tips into some melted dark chocolate it would feel like a real treat when you go to eat them later.

    MMM or dip the fruit in yogurt and FREEZE them! AH that would be yummy.

    Tis true, but I want recipes that I can make at home with my kids too, I didn't want just a bunch of premade store items. Which are good for ideas, but I was digging for recipes.
    Today I splurged and got some almond butter and apples at the grocery store, and so far I'm pretty content with that.
  • MikeCrazy
    MikeCrazy Posts: 2,716 Member
    You substitute things like Truvia as it is a natural sugar alcohol that doesn't spike insulin levels.

    For "sweets" use near 100% cocao baking chocolate and other things like unsweetened coconut.

    Next, for the soda fix - I need this from time to time - use seltzer water with sugar free flavored syrup. Also, if you want you can add some heavy whipping cream for an amazing Italian soda. OMG yum!
    Link: http://www.davincigourmet.com/products/sugar_free_flavored_syrups/#allFlavors
    Edit: You can get a Torani Variety Pack sugar free syrup, from amazon for a really good price.

    Also, check pinterest for some great recipe ideas eg link: http://www.pinterest.com/vicki269/low-carb-desserts/
  • blondie_girl14
    blondie_girl14 Posts: 198 Member
    If there are birthday treats in the cube down from you, I suppose you don't have a blender handy. But I'll share anyway... Just made these yesterday and they're amazing! Both my 9 and 14 year old sugar addicts loved it too.
    1 frozen banana
    1 cup almond milk (we used regular unsweetened)
    1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
    1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder

    Blend it up... it's like a milkshake :)

    This sounds awesome! :tongue:
  • thejuicywoman
    thejuicywoman Posts: 37 Member
    Not sure how many carbs this would be but here are some of my fave ideas:

    My daughter and I like to make ice pops out of anything. She likes blending fresh strawberries and yogurt and I enjoy either sugar free chocolate pudding or either lemonade or sweet tea pops. Another favorite sweet treat for me is orange sherbet and italian ices. I love the Marino's Chocolate or orange ices. Reminds me of being a kid again and don't even get me started on how much I adore the freezer pops, just something about squeezing it, watching it move up and enjoying the pretty colors.
  • thejuicywoman
    thejuicywoman Posts: 37 Member
    Mint tea pops are great. I think I'll whip up a batch today. Thanks for the inspiration.
  • thejuicywoman
    thejuicywoman Posts: 37 Member
    OMG. With the almond butter and apples, you can make a homemade apple crumble. There's a fabulous recipe included in the Stone Wave crock? Do you have a Stone Wave? I love it because the intensified heat flavors the food and it's a much richer flavor than microwaving.
  • ajax041813
    ajax041813 Posts: 136 Member
    I have found that sometimes when I am craving sweet, I eat something totally not sweet it flips the switch in my brain. Like pickles, I love them and they are a good low cal snack so I can have one and drink water and see if I still crave sweets. If so then...

    I make smoothies like another poster said, and I watch my portion so I don't overdo it on those, very easy for the calorie counts to climb up there. I have tons of mason jars, small 6oz ones and pint (12-16oz) ones so when I make smoothies I portion them out and try to have the small one if it's during the day.

    I have recently discovered stevia being a great no calories sweetener. Too much can leave a weird artificial sugar taste but just a little goes a long way and it helps tremendously. I have the liquid kind I squeeze into whatever I need.

    Healthy fats are a good way of keeping yourself satiated and full, meaning not as many cravings. Avocados are great, olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, coconut milk, creamed coconut are some of my favorites.

    Here are a couple of recipes for you:

    Chocolate pudding:
    makes 2 servings

    1 hass avocado
    2 tbsp. cocoa powder
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    1/2 cup almond milk, unsweetened
    1 -2 tbsp. honey OR 2-3 squeezes of liquid stevia OR sweetener of your choice!

    Place all ingredients in blender and pulse until ingredients are well combined. I usually start with a little sweetener, and taste and add as I go. If the avocado is harder, I might add more milk.

    I use my small mason jars and screw the blender bottom on top. Fits perfectly!!! I was so excited that something I read on Pinterest was actually true!!! I love doing this so I only have to clean out 2 mason jars and clean the bottom of blender, instead of the whole thing. Hope this helps! Great job on taking control of your health and your choices!
  • thejuicywoman
    thejuicywoman Posts: 37 Member
    Just googled ice pop molds on Amazon and found this page. I have the green Ozera pop molds. I love them because they give you a really substantial sized pop. Get creative and play around with the recipe. You can even sneak in veggies where they're least expected.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=ice pop molds&sprefix=ice+pop,aps

    Also if you like pops using homemade ingredients, I recommend checking out various cookbooks for pop recipes:
  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,831 Member
    I am stuck on iced coffee with sugar free French Vanilla creamer. i never like dcoffe until I tried it iced.

    Iced coffee is the bomb. I grew up on it. My grandmother got my father hooked on it. So we are talking a family tradition of a century! During the summer, I only have hot coffee every other day. The other half of the pot goes in the fridge for the next day. Then, it's just cold milk in cold coffee and YUMMMMM
  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,831 Member
    How does fat free half and half even exist? It doesn't make sense. The more fat you take out the more "skimmy" it becomes. Like... half and half means 10%. So if it doesn't have 10% it's not half and half anymore?

    They replace the fat with sugar and thickeners. Here's the ingredients list from Land'o'Lakes fat free half & half:

    Skim Milk, Corn Syrup, Cream*, Contains less than 0.5% of the following: Carrageenan, Sodium Citrate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Mono and Diglycerides*, Vitamin A Palmitate, Color Added (Ingredient not in regular half & half).

    It's one of those "evil" processed foods where the fat is replaced with "hidden sugars." Recent research indicates you are better off just having the fat of the real stuff and foregoing the extra sugars.

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