Healthier Desserts Keep Christmas Tasty and Slimming

Christmas is the season of deprivation for many. There are cookies and candy and desserts abounding but for those not wanting to gin weight with overindulging in such treats it's a difficult time. having a healthier option can help get through the season.

For example instead of high sugar cakes consider an applesauce cake, with less sugar. Combine 1/3 cup oil, a cup of sugar and an egg in a bowl then blend in a cup sweetened applesauce. In another bowl sift together 1 ¾ cups flour and a teaspoon each salt, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves then add to the egg mixture. Mix in a cup of raisins and a cup of currants. Combine and pour into a greased and floured pan, baking at 350F for 40 minutes. You can use a powdered sugar icing or even a cream cheese frosting.

Fruit is another dessert that is simple, easy to serve and healthy. Berries with low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt or even gelatin with a little dairy whipped topping are other easy, inexpensive and tasty desserts that don't add to the pounds if in moderation.

Fruit cookies are another option- cream together a cup of shortening, a cup brown ugar and ½ cup white sugar then add in 3 well beaten eggs. Add in a #2 can of fruit cocktail including the juice and a cup chopped walnuts with a teaspoon vanilla. Sift 4 cups flour and a teaspoon each baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Mix together well and drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes until light brown.

There are many sweet treats with honey as well. Fruit pies can also add to the holiday dessert table and make use of the bounty from your own trees if you have them. Oatmeal treats are another idea that add "good things" to the diet while reducing the sugar.

Additionally a wide range of puddings or frozen desserts may also be a solution to the high sugar overload. Angel food cake or a basic pound cake with whipped cream or sherbet is another possibility for dessert.

These are all tasty treats at any time of year but during the holidays can add taste without large amounts of sugar. Remember portions make a difference also - small amounts make a big difference!