You're sitting there on the couch all settled in after dinner for a night of Netflix, and as Bridgerton or Yellowstone is about to start it hits you: I NEED A SWEET! 🍰 🍭

We've all been there. You try your best to live healthy and eat right, but you've gotta satisfy that sweet tooth and there's gotta be a way to do it without blowing up all your hard work, right?

Here are some pro tips on getting that sweet satisfaction and keeping to your healthy nutrition plan:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Just listen to the way The New York Times Food experts describe it in their recipe: “Full of nubby oats and plenty of sweet raisins, these lightly spiced cookies are pleasingly chewy in the center and crisp around the edges, with a hint of butterscotch from the dark brown sugar.” Yum!

Sweet & Salty Popcorn

If you’ve got a bag of Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop sweet & salty popcorn in the pantry, then what are you waiting for? Commence munching! If you don’t, then no problem, we’ve got a great recipe for you to make your own super healthy popcorn and it’s more fun if it’s straight from our own kitchen. The whole family will have a blast and you’ll get that fix.

Yogurt

This dairy product has been a healthy treat for hundreds of years. Yogurt is very nutritious and can boost several aspects of your health. For example, studies suggest that eating can reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Yogurt is loaded with protein and calcium. Because of its protein content, yogurt actually helps to regulate your appetite and control cravings. One study found that healthy-weight women who ate high-protein Greek yogurt as a snack were less hungry and ate less compared to those who had a lower-protein snack or no snack at all. Yogurt provides almost every nutrient that your body needs. Yogurt also contains probiotics that boost your digestive health. It also can benefit your heart health by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and helps reduce blood pressure. Not bad for a sweet snack!

Chocolate-covered strawberries

Consider this treat the Dynamic Duo of sweetness – especially if you use dark chocolate! Chocolate and strawberries contain antioxidants which are linked to improved immune function. Strawberries are also jam-packed with Vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium and other essential minerals. Cocoa, chocolate’s main ingredient, is derived from cacao beans, which are rich in flavonoids that can lower your blood pressure. Plus, this tasty treat adds a touch of class and romance to any occasion – even binge-watching your favorite romantic comedy! 🍓

Smoothies

If you are in the mood for a thick, creamy and healthy beverage, get out your blender and prepare a fruity smoothie. Basically, you get the mouthfeel of a milkshake with the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. The World Health Organization recommends that adults eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. But most of us fall short of this standard. A smoothie will not only satisfy your sweet cravings, but it is also a yummy way to help you get your daily allotment of fruits and veggies! Let’s be honest here: The caloric and nutritional value of a smoothie depends on the ingredients. Our favorite is frozen mangoes, strawberries and blueberries with half a banana, half an avocado, a dollop (or two) of peanut butter and a few ice cubes. Toss in a scoop of Beet Root Powder and put it all in a blender.

Fruit Leathers (or Roll-Ups)

If you are a parent, chances are you’ve put these sweet snacks in your kid’s lunch box or handed them out as an after-school snack. But if you’re looking to quench a post-dinner sweet craving, go for it! Fruit leathers are packed with nutrients such as fiber, minerals, phosphorus, calcium and iron. Store-bought roll-ups are fine but check the labels and find the brands lower in sugar content. Making them at home is relatively easy.

Grilled PB&J Sandwich

Warning: Once you try one of these, you may become addicted! Since we’re talking snacks here, you may want to eat just half the sandwich and share the other half. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Whole grain breads are also a good source of fiber and protein. We suggest using natural peanut butter, preservative-free jelly with no added sugars and whole-grain bread. Simply assemble the sandwich as usual and grill over medium heat for about three minutes per side. Cut in half and enjoy!

We all have the urge to splurge on sweets from time to time. It’s our body to talking to us. The key is to have healthy substitutes in your pantry or fridge. Instead of ignoring the cravings, give yourself a little break from time to time. Just indulge mindfully and don’t let guilt creep into your consciousness.