15 Healthy Alternatives to Pop Tarts
Pop-Tarts and many other refined sugar sweets took over the world. Pop-Tarts are a delicious and easy-to-go snack without nutritional value whatsoever. So, are there any healthy alternatives to Pop-Tarts?
Some alternatives to Pop-Tarts are protein pancakes, oatmeal, granola, smoothies, and healthier versions of everyday sweets.
I prefer sweet meals to start a day. They boost my mood and keep me going from the early morning. I used to eat store-bought granola and protein bars with loads of hidden sugar in them. Then I decided to make healthier choices for myself. And now, I am sharing some ideas with you.
Banana–Peanut Butter Sushi
Take a tortilla, spread a spoonful of your favorite peanut butter, and wrap a banana in it. Slice it like a sushi wrap and enjoy a satisfying breakfast in 2 minutes. If you want to make the most of it, dip it in a protein pudding. Be aware of peanut butter amounts as it is very caloric. For example, two tablespoons of it have about 200 calories. [1]
Granola Tarts
Make a dessert the night before and use the leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. Mix oat (or any other) flakes, nuts, and a few drizzles of honey and fill the cupcake tray with it. Sculp it into tarts. Load it with protein pudding or greek yogurt. Add some berries to prevent the sugar from spiking. [2]
Protein Waffles
These are superb options for a quick breakfast as you can make plenty and freeze it. Just take one and microwave it. Blend the protein powder, banana, and egg. Pour it into a waffle maker and bake till golden. Top it with anything you like – fruit, yogurt, chocolate, or honey.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are the easiest and fastest breakfast idea you will never find dull. There are tons of combinations covering all the macronutrients needed for a meal. You only need a quality base and imagination. Combine oat flakes, milk, or water and the sweetener of your choice. Then comes the fun part! You can add yogurt, fruits, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, based on your diet preference.
Cheesecake Tarts
This no-bake 2-minute treat is a real game changer. Grab a few rice cakes, and spread skyr or greek yogurt (you can add vanilla protein powder or honey to taste in yogurt). Top it with pomegranate, raspberries, or strawberries. You can coat it in black chocolate too. Store it in the freezer and eat cheesecake for breakfast with no regrets.
Protein-Berry Smoothie
Blend protein powder, greek yogurt, a handful of spinach, frozen blueberries, a banana, and a bit of milk or water. Add chia or flax seeds as a fat source to cover all the macronutrients.
Granola Bars
If you are eating on a caloric deficit, be aware of how much of these you are eating. These are tasty and convenient, loaded in healthy fats, but very caloric. Make a sticky mixture of plant-based sweeteners, coconut oil, nuts, and oats. Form bars and bake them. Maybe dip them in chocolate. Add some coconut to help even your blood sugar. [3]
No-Flour Crepes
These tender types of pancakes are undoubtedly in the dessert hall of fame. They can be très caloric, but here are a few tips to change that. Replace regular flour with cornstarch and protein powder. Pro tip: make ‘Nutella’ using cream cheese, cocoa, and hazelnut.
Berry Toast
Berry toast is a healthier version of Nutella toast. Take a slice of any bread and press the middle with a spoon. Fill it with a mixture of egg and skyr. Sprinkle it with chocolate drops or pomegranate. Toss it in the air fryer till golden.
Chia Pudding
Soak chia seeds in protein milk overnight. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fats. They are gluten-free. This superfood is proven to benefit diseases of the thyroid. [4] Choose the fruit you crave and add it to the pudding.
Protein Cookie Pastries
Combine oat flour, cream cheese, honey, and chocolate drops. Make little cookie-like balls and bake them. These are freeze-friendly and very convenient when you are in a rush. They look cute and are handy for kids. It is the healthier alternative but will feed the eyes as they look like cookies.
Kinder Milk Slices
If you are a fan of Kinder sweets, like me, make this healthier version for every day. Make a crust without refined sugar or white flour. Cut it in half and fill it with cream to get a giant sandwich-like treat. Add cocoa to the crust to start the day in a good mood. Replace heavy cream with cream cheese and honey to taste. You just need to slice and store your homemade sugar-free Kinder candy the whole family can enjoy.
Apple Pancakes
If you like the lingering cinnamon scent on snowy, cold mornings, take a minute and make these pancakes. Slice an apple and dip it in pancake butter enriched with cinnamon and a dash of cardamom. Cardamom will lower your sugar levels and help with digestion. [5] Make a creamy mixture with low-fat cheese, egg, and protein powder.
Protein Tiramisu Pancakes
If you dream of hot espresso in Rome, make a healthy meal with a dash of Italy. Just add some coffee to your pancake butter. Make a frosting using skyr or any low-fat cream cheese and intensify the taste with a few drops of vanilla. Vanilla will help to reduce your sweet cravings, so you probably won’t reach for candy during the day.
2-minutes Protein Cake
Cake for breakfast is not unacceptable anymore. You will need a microwave and 3 minutes. Combine one egg, oats, vanilla protein powder (optionally), honey, cocoa, and baking powder. Pour the mixture into a casserole or souffle dish and bake it! This high-protein dish will keep you full in time for lunch!
