California Strawberry Inspired Snacks to Satisfy Sweet Cravings
Using natural sweetness such as a fruit is a nutritious way to satisfy a sweet craving when it hits. When I find myself craving something sweet, though sometimes I choose the dessert (after all, treat yourself!), I like to make simple snacks with fruits as the flavoring to cut down on my added sugar intake.
You might have guessed… One of my favourite fruits to use are California strawberries!
Versatile and lightly sweet, California strawberries top the fruit cake in my opinion. One serving (8 whole strawberries) is low in sugar, but rich in fibre, antioxidants and other nutrients.
One serving (8 strawberries, or 140g) contains:
50 calories
3 g fibre
214 mg potassium
160% Daily Value for Vitamin C
Thanks to a long growing season, we can continue to enjoy sweet California strawberries here in Canada.
Here is a round-up of my favorite strawberry inspired snacks to satisfy sweets cravings:
California Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
In a jar (or fancy glass!), layer the following:
· ¾ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
· 1/3 cup muesli or granola*
· ½ cup sliced California strawberries
· 2 tbsp chopped nuts
This makes one of my favourite 3 pm snacks. Strawberries are considered a low sugar fruit, but high in fibre, making them low on the glycemic index scale. Pair them with a bowl of protein-rich Greek yogurt for an energizing and blood-sugar balancing afternoon snack with a hint of sweetness.
*Tip: Make your own granola, or look for less than 8 g sugar per 1/2 cup serving
Dark Chocolate & Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, making them good for skin health and immunity by fighting free radical damage to our cells. Paired with flavonoid-rich dark chocolate, strawberries make for an antioxidant punch snack, am I right?
Many people find extra dark chocolate (70-85%) too bitter for their taste buds. Here’s the solution. Pair the dark chocolate square with a complimentary fruit such as a serving of fresh strawberries to balance out the bitterness.
Loaded Rice Cakes
One of my favourite snacks to satisfy sweet cravings! It also makes for one of my favourite post-workout snacks. The possibilities are endless.
This is my (high-protein, low sugar) California strawberry inspired version:
Mix together:
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tbsp powdered peanut butter**
1 tsp stevia
Dash cinnamon
Spread onto 3 rice cakes. Top with sliced strawberries. Optional additions: sprinkle chia seeds, dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chopped dried fruit (dates, figs), maca powder.
*You could use regular peanut butter, but I often have this version as a post-workout snack so I keep it high protein, low fat. Read my post for more info on post-workout snack planning.
Pumpkin Seeds & Berries
Did you know that a serving of California strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange? Pairing a serving of strawberries with a plant-based source of iron (aka “non-heme” iron, such as a handful of pumpkin seeds) can increase the absorption up to four times as much.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it. My top strawberry-inspired snacks to satisfy your sweets cravings. Try out one of these snack ideas, or simply enjoy on fresh California strawberries on their own any time of day.
What is your favourite way to eat strawberries? Do you have a recipe or do you enjoy them fresh on their own? Comment below!
This post was sponsored by the California Strawberry Commission.
Subscribe to our newsletter for new articles and the top gut-health & fitness tips.
