Yes, you can have your health and dessert too! You don’t have to cut out all sweets and desserts just because you are currently tweaking your diet, or even because you want to eat healthier. You just need to rethink your desserts and choose some healthier options.
Oatmeal-Based Desserts
Oatmeal is a healthy, nutrient-dense food that is also very versatile. You don’t just have to enjoy it for breakfast! With a nice bowl of oatmeal, you get a warm and hearty meal in the morning or for a snack, and some healthy whole grains at the same time.
Want to increase the nutrition of your oatmeal? Don’t use those pre-flavored instant oatmeal packs. They tend to have extra sugar that is unnecessary. You can make oatmeal with sliced fruit and honey that will be just as sweet, but much better for you.
Oats can also be used in many other healthy desserts, including smoothies, no-bake chocolate cookies with oats, and energy bites.
Find Healthier Alternatives for Sugar
If you have a sweet tooth, but want to consume less sugar, just look for healthier alternatives. This is a good way to gradually cut back on the sweetness in your diet, but still satisfy your cravings. Think of natural forms of sugar like fresh fruit, Stevia drops, honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or dates. These all provide a lot of sweetness to your desserts, but don’t have table sugar in them.
Get Dark Chocolate
Chocolate has antioxidants and many important nutrients, but milk chocolate tends to be packed with milk and sugar. If you want the nutrients without the extra ingredients, look for dark chocolate instead.
Dark chocolate contains a lot of antioxidants, plus nutrients like iron, zinc, and fiber. Dark chocolate is simply chocolate with a higher amount of cocoa in it. Look for about 70% or more, and gradually increase that as you get more used to the taste of darker chocolate.
Rethink Desserts
People often think of dessert as being filled with sugar and fat, like cheesecake, pie, cookies, and brownies. But that doesn’t have to be your only dessert option. Dessert can simply be another snack you enjoy in the evening after dinner, from oatmeal or yogurt bowls, to a green juice or cup of fruit. Start working in other snacks as your dessert, and soon your entire mindset about it will change for the better.
