• Facebook
    • Instagram

Girlmentum

  • Body
  • Mind
  • Love
  • Life
  • About Us

Body

Fat-Free Candy Doesn’t Mean Guilt-Free

How to have a healthier relationship with your sweet tooth.

Fat-Free Candy Doesn't Mean Guilt-Free

Credit: dream79/ Adobe Stock

by Kimmy

Kimmy is the Founder of Girlmentum.  ... more

Featured Expert: Courtney Sullivan RD, NASM-CPT

We know candy’s not good for us. It is, after all, processed, filled with sugar, and packed with hard-to-read ingredients and artificial dyes. But, the low calorie count on some fat-free candy, combined with marketers’ promises that certain candies (like chocolate) might actually have legitimate health benefits, can make one wonder if it’s healthy to indulge.

Courtney Sullivan, a dietician, personal trainer, and founder of Nutrition for Body and Mind, answered some of our fat-free candy questions, and (ahem) didn’t sugar-coat the answers.

Candy is often low in calories. Is it a low-fat snack?

Candy is high in simple sugar, and even though it says “fat-free,” it does not mean that you won’t gain weight while eating it. Highly refined sugar that provides little to no nutrition can be turned into and stored as fat in your body if it is not utilized. Empty sugars can also increase your LDL (bad cholesterol), which can also increase your risk of heart disease.

Is all chocolate good for me?

No. Much “chocolate” has been processed and contains fillers and preservatives. You need at least 65-70% cacao-containing dark chocolate for it to have a nutritional benefit (some of these are rich in antioxidant value and have cancer-fighting properties).

If you are going to eat chocolate, you should always eat it in moderation. 1 ounce per day (or every other day) is sufficient. You do not need an entire chocolate bar.

Any suggestions for healthy candies or alternatives?

  • Dark chocolate-covered almonds with sea salt
  • Dark chocolate-covered blueberries
  • Organic ginger chews
  • Frozen blueberries or grapes covered in Greek yogurt that you can make at home!

What should a girl do if she has irrepressible candy cravings?

Focus on eating small, frequent meals that are balanced with a source of lean protein, whole grain carbohydrate, and fresh fruits or vegetables. The added fiber and protein will increase your satiety (feeling of fullness) and reduce sugar cravings. Oftentimes, when you crave excess sugar, your body is telling you it did not get enough nutrients (quality protein or fruits and vegetables). Also, you may be thirsty (not hungry) so drinking adequate fluids throughout the day (water, coconut water, ginger or herbal tea, etc.) to stay hydrated is crucial.

Remember these tips next time that fat-free candy is calling your name!

 

Your reaction?
  • LOL (0)
  • Awkward (0)
  • Sad (1)
  • Love it (3)

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

More Articles by Kimberly

    4 Ways to Avoid the Bad Stuff in Foods and Eat Healthier
  • Where to Get Birth Control
  • Your Favourite Beauty Products Might Have a Secret
  • Here’s a Few of Your Feminine Hygiene Product Options
  • A Quick Vitamin Chart

Current Faves

  • Vaginal Discharge: When It Is Normal, and When It’s Not 6 views
  • What to Expect During Your First Visit to the Gynecologist 6 views
  • Drinking and Losing Your Virginity: Why You Should Definitely Avoid Doing This Your First Time 4 views
  • What You Need to Know to Make Losing Your Virginity a Better Experience 3 views
  • Excuses You Shouldn’t Accept When He Doesn’t Want to Wear a Condom 2 views

Current Faves

  • Vaginal Discharge: When It Is Normal, and When It's Not Vaginal Discharge: When It ... 215 views
  • Drinking and Losing Your Virginity: Why You Should Definitely Avoid Doing This Your First Time Drinking and Losing Your ... 181 views
  • Excuses You Shouldn't Accept When He Doesn't Want to Wear a Condom Excuses You Shouldn’t Accept ... 98 views
  • What You Need to Know to Make Losing Your Virginity a Better Experience What You Need to ... 80 views

Learn more about Girlmentum!

About Us

About Us

We know you have goals for your health, hopes for your relationships, and plans for your future. ... read more

Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

There's an issue with the Instagram Access Token that you are using. Please obtain a new Access Token on the plugin's Settings page.
If you continue to have an issue with your Access Token then please see this FAQ for more information.

Instagram

Load More...
Follow on Instagram
  • About Us
  • Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Copyright © Girlmentum Media, Inc. 2021

 

POPUPS ARE SO ANNOYING!

But our newsletter is awesome!

Get our newsletter. Get Girlmentum.

I am at least 13 years old. *
I agree to the Terms of Use. *

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy