We all know how hard it can be to resist a sweet treat after dinner. Whether it’s a slice of cake, a cookie, or a creamy bowl of ice cream, it can be hard to part with those calming flavours and comforting textures. But, what if there was a way to indulge in your cravings in a way that actually boosts your health? Believe it or not, it is possible to satisfy your sweet tooth with healthy dessert alternatives that have some serious hidden benefits.
1. Indulging Sweetly: Healthy Dessert Alternatives
Are you craving something sweet? We get it. But that doesn’t mean you need to reach for the sugar rush! There are plenty of healthier alternatives to indulging sweetly. Here are some of our favourite healthier desserts you’ll want to try on your next cheat day…
Fruit-based Desserts: From banana bread to strawberry crumbles, fruit-based desserts are a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings while still being good for you. Bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries are all great sources of natural sweetness. Experiment with different combinations of fruit and toppings for endless tasty, and healthy, treats.
Granola/Muesli: Granola and muesli are great for an energizing snack or light dessert. The best part is that you customize and create different flavors each time you make them based on your own preference. Simply combine muesli, yoghurt, honey, and some chopped or dried fruit – voilà!
Smoothies: Smoothies are such customizable drinks! They are a great way to get plenty of nutrients, fibre, and vitamins. Experiment with different fruits, yogurt, and even healthy powders and supplements (e.g. maca powder, lucuma). To make your smoothie even sweeter, add some natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.
Chia Pudding: Chia pudding is super versatile, and so indulgent. Add a sweetener to the base of chia seeds, coconut or almond milk, and a little flavoring (e.g. cocoa powder, peanut butter). Let it sit in the fridge overnight and top off with some fresh fruit or crunchy nuts – yum!
Frozen Fruits: If you don’t feel like cooking, just pop some frozen fruits in the microwave or freezer and voilà – a delicious and healthy snack. Frozen bananas with a drizzle of honey and toasted sesame seeds make for a delicious, nutty treat.
2. Eating Well with Sweet Benefits
Adding certain sweet treats to your diet actually has many health benefits! Whether you choose to enjoy a piece of rich dark chocolate, indulge in sweet fruits and berries, or pick something on the healthier side like monkfruit sweetener, doing so in moderation brings many positives.
- Chocolate – Enjoying just one to two squares of dark chocolate daily comes with a wealth of benefits. Consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health.
- Fruits and Berries – Fruits and berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients important for good health. Eating a variety of fruits and berries may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, reduce blood pressure and sugar, and promote good digestive health.
- Monkfruit Sweeteners – Monkfruit sweeteners are gaining popularity as a natural, low-calorie sugar substitute that’s perfect for sweetening smoothies, adding to your morning latte, or baking. Enjoying monkfruit sweeteners may help reduce daily calorie consumption, control blood sugar levels, and improve cardiovascular health.
Incorporating sweet treats into your diet is not only enjoyable – it can also be beneficial for your overall health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes sweets in moderation is key – so feel free to indulge in a little dark chocolate, some berries, and definitely some monkfruit whenever desired!
3. Pleasure without Repercussion: Healthy Desserts to Make you Smile
Dessert doesn’t have to mean a guilty pleasure; it can be a tasty and healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth too. Here are some recipes which can be made with basic, everyday ingredients that will certainly leave you with a smile:
- Fruit Smoothie: blend 2 cups of frozen fruit (e.g. strawberries, melon, peach) with 1 cup of almond milk, a teaspoon of honey, a handful of spinach and a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. The smoothie has all the sweetness you need and provides an extra health kick.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie: mix together 1 cup of oat flour, 1 cup of gingerbread crumbs, 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and form into circular cookies. Bake in oven for 10 minutes at 350°F for some delicious guilt-free treats.
- Vegan-friendly PB&J Thumbprints: mix together 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until become smooth. Then take 2 teaspoons of mixture and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make an impression with your thumb in the center of each ball and fill it with your favorite jam. Beat together 2 egg whites and 1 tablespoon of honey, and brush the mixture over each cookie. Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
If you want to indulge further, try experimenting with different flavor combinations and ingredients to create healthy desserts that will make you smile. Try mixing oats, coconut milk, ripe bananas, nuts and dried fruits; or blend your favorite fruits, yogurt and chia seeds as a frozen treat; or make chia pudding with almond milk and top with seasonal fruits for a nutritious cup. You can make cakes with whole wheat flour, coconut oil instead of butter, fruit compote instead of buttercream and a natural sweetener like agave syrup. All of these healthy recipes will bring you the same satisfaction as traditional snacks, but cause fewer repercussions.
Tip: when making healthy desserts, be mindful of your portion size. Even health desserts should be eaten in moderation to keep the calories down and for you to get the most out of the nutritional benefits.
4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth the Healthy Way
Do you love sweet treats, but don’t want to sabotage your diet? If so, you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without overloading on sugar and unhealthy fat. Here are a few tips to help you indulge, without sacrificing your nutrition goals.
- Swap out added sugar for natural options: Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and agave are healthier for you than artificial sweeteners. Not only do they taste better, but they provide some essential nutrients and antioxidants. If you use lighter versions of these natural sweeteners, that can even further reduce your sugar intake.
- Try lower sugar alternatives: There are numerous low sugar versions of traditional snacks and treats available in many stores. That way, you can have your favorite snacks without overindulging on sugar. Or, you can make your own treats using healthier ingredients for a similar taste.
- Go for fresh fruit: Enjoy nature’s candy! Fresh fruit is always a great option for a sweet snack. Not only are they chock full of vitamins and fiber, but they provide a natural sweetness that’s refreshing and satisfying. Keep an assortment of fruits in stock for quick and healthy treats.
- Grab a healthy bar or treat: The health food aisle is filled with healthy snack bars and treats that can help you satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking your nutrition goals. Just make sure to read the nutrition labels before you buy, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
And lastly, don’t forget to focus on your portions. Even if what you’re eating is healthy, it’s still possible to eat too much of a good thing at once. Pay attention to how much you’re indulging and be conscious of how it fits into your daily nutrition plan.
Healthy snacking doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Just keep these tips in mind, and you can treat yourself without sacrificing your nutrition goals. Enjoy!
Though it may be tempting to indulge in sugary desserts, it is possible to enjoy the sweetness of these treats while still preserving your health. With these healthy dessert alternatives, you can have your sweet treats and the benefits too!
