Dessert on a Diet

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "you can't have your cake and eat it too...," but what happens when you can't have the cake at all?!?! You're working hard to meet your nutritional goals but you're finding it hard to give up those cookies, cakes, pastries, candies, and any other sweet-tasting food that seems to call out your name. Here are some dessert options that taste good and are great alternatives to your usual dessert cravings:

Tasty Dessert #1 - Applesauce

The brand that I'm thinking of would be Mott's Healthy Harvest Sauce®. It comes in five different flavors - Blueberry Delight, Granny Smith, Country Berry, Summer Strawberry, and Peach Medley. Each one contains 50 calories per serving, usually has no added sugar, and no artificial sweeteners. For more information about this brand, click here.

Tasty Dessert #2 - Graham Crackers

I don't have a recommended brand of graham crackers to utilize, but I believe this is a healthy option if you're trying to have dessert on a diet. Do you know how some cheesecakes are made with a graham cracker crust? Or perhaps some pies? Well, I was thinking take out the pie filling, or cheesecake filling, and eat the graham cracker part. When I was a child, I used to dip them in milk (similar to how to some do for cookies) and it would make them a bit soggy. It was tasty for me, although I didn't like drinking the milk afterwards.

Tasty Dessert #3 - Jello

Jello is one of the most fat-free desserts I can think of, and it is children friendly. A package of jello usually has about 80 calories per serving (4 servings in a package) and it very filling. It contains no fat, but it does have sugar, so if you're trying to reduce your sugar intake you may not want to consider this option. I chose it because it has great taste, no fat, and is low in calories. One serving of Jello would probably take the edge off of your sweet tooth.

Tasty Dessert #4 - Frozen Yogurt

The best alternative to ice cream on the planet! I'm not talking about taking yogurt and freezing it, although that is an option if you're pressed for funds. I'm referring to buying frozen yogurt from the frozen food section of your local grocer. My brand preferences would be Edy's or Breyer's since those are the most common ones you can find in your local grocer, but there are plenty of brands that have great taste and perhaps low prices.

Tasty Dessert #5 - Frozen Fruit Bars

There are two ways to utilize this dessert. One way is that you can buy the fruit bars already frozen. There are a number of brands that carry frozen fruit bars in the frozen food section of your local grocer. The second option is that you can puree your own fruit and make your own! With the second option you can be as creative as you want to be. Mix fruits to get a great color scheme, or freeze leftover smoothies for later treats.