Truffle Parmesan Popcorn Recipe

If there is one thing that I cannot resist it’s a good sweet. Ice cream, cake, pastries…I’ll take anything delicious and sweet. Unfortunately this is one of the biggest reasons for my weight gain and I’m sure there are many of you that experience the same thing.

I’ve been trying really hard to eat healthy and avoid added sugars since the start of the New Year and here are some of the tips I have for you:

• One of the biggest reasons that I find myself reaching for the sugar is when I’m bored. The afternoons at my office tend to be a little slower and that’s when I start to daydream about donuts and candy. Reaching for something healthy and crunchy is a good way to keep my mouth busy without the extra sugar and calories. I like to pack a portion of carrots, celery and dip with me as I leave for work in the morning to keep my cravings down in the afternoon.
• Another trick that I use to curb a sweet tooth is grabbing a piece of sugar-free gum. Again, this keeps my mouth busy for a little bit and offers a sweeter flavor to satisfy my craving. Just try to avoid popping one piece of gum after another.
• Reaching for a piece of fruit will also satisfy your need for sugar with natural sugar. Dipping sliced apples in a low-fat caramel dip or a few strawberries with a yogurt dip. As long as your eat these in a moderate portion you’ll be good to go!
• Finally, I find that brushing my teeth can often help get any flavors that are causing cravings out of my mouth. The minty fresh feel helps trick my brain into thinking something sweet was already consumed. Brilliant, right?

This Truffle Parmesan Popcorn is something I also use to curb my afternoon cravings. Popcorn is high in fiber which keeps me full and the crunch keeps my mouth busy while munching away. It’s also a great source of whole grains. Using air-popped corn keeps the calorie count low and I love that the truffle oil makes it a gourmet treat. What are some of the tricks you use to curb your sweet tooth?