The Health-Conscious Person’s Guide To Indulgence

When it comes to indulgence, many people think of being naughty or breaking the rules in terms of your health. Indulging doesn’t mean you have to derail yourself or your health goals. There are simple ways you can indulge and still maintain your healthy lifestyle.  Whether you’re willing to enjoy a cheat day or not, there are choices for everyone. If you’ve been craving a little indulgence or you’re looking for ways to indulge in a healthy way, consider these tips. 

Alcohol-free

If you’ve ever been on a health kick or tried to lose weight, one of the first things people recommend to ditch is alcohol. Alcohol represents empty calories and often comes with overindulgence afterwards. If you’ve ever been at a party or a dinner out and been the only one at the table not drinking, then you know it’s tough. Thankfully, you don’t need to give in to pressure to indulge. 

Try non-alcoholic wine, it's the best alternative to indulge without really indulging. Alcohol-free drinks are the perfect solution to avoid drinking and maintain your health goals while still feeling part of the party. Non-alcohol wine or beer are the perfect options for the health-conscious person looking to indulge without the empty calories or the junk food that comes after. You can buy non-alcoholic drinks from Boisson.

Sugar-free

Sugar is a tough indulgence to shake, and while a little every now and again isn’t the worst, you don’t want to get into a habit. Sugar-free alternatives are a great way to indulge a little without compromising your health goals. Sugar-free alternatives come in so many choices these days, you’ll be sure to find the perfect option for you. Whether you are looking for lollies, chocolate, soft drinks or even brownies, there is an option for you. 

Much like its sugary counterpart though, these sugar-free indulgences should be a sometimes food, not an everyday food. Don’t fall into the trap of just replacing one for the other. Sugar-free alternatives are a great way to help you scratch that itch, but they shouldn’t become the new go-to indulgence. A great rule of thumb is to leave at least a week between sugar-free treats. 

Protein shakes

If you’re craving a sweet drink that is almost like a milkshake, then a protein shake might just be your new best friend. Protein shakes are the perfect indulgence for the health-conscious. Full of protein, vitamins and minerals, these shakes come in a variety of flavours that will have you thinking you’re at the milk bar enjoying an ice-cold shake. Protein shakes are however almost always sugar-free and low in saturated fats. 

These shakes are packed full of good stuff and help you feel fuller for longer, meaning you get an indulgence hit and can feel satisfied until the next one. Shop around though, not all sellers are created equal. If you have special dietary requirements it can really pay to spend a little more for peace of mind. There are plenty of great brands out there to choose from, including organic and vegan options too. 

• Vegetable snacks

Indulging can often be offset by the pairings you choose to make. If you’re chasing a hit of your favourite dip, instead of crackers or bread, use vegetable sticks. You’ll get a taste of that creamy, delicious dip and one of your daily vegetables serves at the same time. If you’re a fiend for peanut butter, try it on celery instead of bread. This combination will mean you get to enjoy that tasty spread without the unnecessary carbs. 

These are just two options for the health-conscious to enjoy a little indulgence, but the options can be endless. Anywhere that you would normally indulge, ask whether you can use vegetables instead.A mushroom burger, portobello mushroom sandwich,  lettuce tacos or zucchini noodles, the options are almost endless.  Not only will this mean you can enjoy some delicious cheat meals at home, but you can do it basically guilt-free. Vegetables are versatile and can be used in a lot of different meals to help you feel like you're indulging without compromising your health. 

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Indulging doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health or your health-related goals. You can enjoy yourself and have a little bit of fun, all while still focusing on your health. The innovation in food and drink over the years has created choices for the health-conscious who miss the occasional indulgence. Alcohol-free drinks, sugar-free treats and substituting vegetables are a small sample of the options available to you. The next time you’re craving a sweet treat, a wine or even a milkshake, try one of these simple ways to indulge, without compromising your health.