5 Guilt-Free Treats to Have at Home

For a lot of people, the start of a new year means the start of new, healthier habits. Whether you're cutting back on the booze, quitting smoking, or are determined to work out more in the week, moving towards a healthier lifestyle is always a good resolution. However, it can be easier said than done, especially if you've grown accustomed to indulging in unhealthy snacks or meals. If you're worried about how to tackle your junk food cravings, below are five guilt-free treats you can enjoy easily at home.

1. Zero/Low Alcohol Wine and Beer

You might have decided to take part in Dry January this year; but if you enjoy a glass of wine on a Friday night or a cold beer after a long day at work, this might be more of a challenge than you think. If you still want to satisfy your cravings, but you don't want to worry about the calorie count (or, more importantly, the effect alcohol has on your liver and kidneys), why not swap your usual drink of choice for a non-alcoholic alternative? There are plenty of zero or low alcohol wines and beers to choose from.

2. Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, but your standard candy bars aren't great for your diet. If you're worried about how to keep your sweet tooth at bay, why not swap your usual milk or white chocolate choice to dark instead? No, it isn't as sweet as the other two options; but it is very rich, and a small amount can still satisfy a sweet tooth. If dark chocolate is completely out of the question for you, look at finding healthier chocolate spread options online to help you still enjoy a delicious treat on toast (or even just a spoon) without feeling guilty.

3. Popcorn

A favorite snack of many movie lovers, popcorn can be a great, healthy snack provided you don't slather it in butter, sugar, or cheese. This might sound a little boring; but on the contrary, there are plenty of brands that can offer both sweet and savory popcorn flavors that are still low in calories. If you're looking to replace a bag of potato chips or your usual candy as a snack, popcorn is the way to go.

4. Peanut Butter

Big fan of peanut butter? If so, you're in luck. Peanut butter is considered to be a relatively healthy treat when spread on wholemeal toast or even onto a banana. It can be used in plenty of baked treats, too, like brownies or cookies. However, if you want to make sure the peanut butter your using is going to be beneficial to your diet, choose organic or at the very least check the label to make sure there isn't a lot of added salts and sugars to it.

5. Fresh Fruits

Finally, a wonderfully guilt-free snack is a bowl of fresh berries or fruit salad. This is an especially delicious and refreshing treat for the summertime and can be had as a dessert, for breakfast, or just a snack.

Help fight your junk food cravings with these five guilt-free alternatives and stay on track with your new healthy lifestyle this year.