Couldn't find what you looking for?

TRY OUR SEARCH!

Zero-Calorie Ways To Treat Your Sugar Cravings

by — Last updated: 2023-09-27 in Nutrition & Dieting
Reviewed by Medical Team — 2023-09-27

Table of Contents

The mental side of dieting can often be just as tough as the physical process. Cravings – particularly for sweet and sugary foods – are a huge issue for many. You needn’t give up your sweet treats entirely, you just need to find zero-calorie alternatives.

Splenda

Or any artificial sweetener for that matter.

Despite many peoples’ objections to artificial sweeteners, they are a godsend in terms of treating sugar cravings. Additionally, any claims that they have a negative impact on health tend to be grossly overstated or completely unfounded.

Studies that have shown negative effects tend to be performed on animals who are given enormous doses.

In the quantity humans consume them however, they pose no dangers, and can help you adhere to a diet for longer.

Sucralose, aspartame on Truvia are all ones you can try out.

Coffee

Coffee itself may not be “sweet” but it is an effective, calorie-free craving buster. By combining coffee with the aforementioned artificial sweetener, you can also make it into something sweet.

Sugar-Free Syrups

Usually order a coffee with hazelnut, vanilla or caramel syrup at Starbucks? Switch that order to sugar-free syrup. These are usually sweetened with an artificial sweetener, and taste almost the same as the real thing.

Diet Drinks

Diet coke, coke zero, Pepsi Max, Dr. Pepper Zero….. the list goes on. With so many sugar-free options when it comes to soda and fizzy drinks, there really s no need to drink a regular one ever again.  

Sparkling Water

Carbonated water or seltzer can provide a refreshing alternative to sugary soda. You can add a squeeze of lemon, lime, or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra flavor without many calories.

Chewing Gum

Want something to take your mind off a sugar craving? Chew gum.

This simple, effective method has been serving bodybuilders, physique competitors and general dieters alike for years.

Most brands offer sugar-free gum, and just like diet drinks and sugar-free syrups, you can’t notice the taste between that and the normal stuff.

Sugar-Free Popsicles

Look for sugar-free or low-calorie popsicles as a cool and refreshing way to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can experiment with different fruit combinations, add a touch of vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon, or even incorporate herbs like mint for a unique flavor twist.

Almost Zero-Calorie Ways to Treat Your Sugar Cravings

As effective as the above all are, sometimes you need something just that bit more substantial, which is where slightly higher-calorie options come in.

Greek Froyo

For ice cream or froyo without all the sugar, you can’t beat frozen Greek yoghurt. Typically containing only 4 to 8 grams of sugar per 100 grams, depending on brand, Greek yoghurt makes an excellent froyo when mixed with some sugar-free syrup, perhaps a little protein powder, or even a few berries.

Fruit

Most fruits are high-ish in sugar (bananas, dried fruit and tropical fruits especially) but as mentioned above, berries are an excellent alternative, with just 3 to 6 grams of sugar per serving.

Homemade Smoothies

Make your own smoothies with unsweetened almond milk or water as a base and add a combination of frozen fruits and a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder or vanilla extract for flavor.

Protein Fluff

Take some protein powder, some almond milk and a thickening agent such as xanthan gum and bled along with some ice cubes. You’ll need to give this quite a blitz, and potentially add a little water too, but the end result is worth it. You’ll get a big bowl of protein fluff for around 150 calories, with only a couple of grams of sugar.

See Also: The More Sugar You Eat, The More Sugar You Want: Here's Why

Smooth Operator

Protein powder makes an appearance again here, as protein smoothies are just about one of the best ways to get a sweet drink without all the sugar of a soda or milkshake. 

Rather than just mixing your powder in milk or water, chuck a scoop or two in a blender with some ice, water or almond milk, spinach (yes – spinach! You won’t taste it, trust me) a handful of berries and a spoon or two of peanut or cashew butter, then blitz and drink.

There you have it – some calorie-free, and some very-nearly calorie-free ways to ensure you get all the taste associated with sugary foods and drinks, but without the negatives involved.