Many people admit that they have a "sweet tooth" that often gets them into trouble, especially when trying to eat well or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating too many sweets can cause weight gain which can lead to other health issues. However, overly restricting these foods from the diet can cause food fantasizing then perhaps binging, weight gain and possibly relapsing to old, unhealthy behaviors. The key is balance. Indulge once in a while, but keep the portions small and the calories low. Below are some ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your healthy eating efforts.
Healthy Sundae
The McDonald's Strawberry Sundae with chopped nuts is a classic favorite. However, this sundae has 280 calories in it. By making your own version, you'll save gas, money and calories. Use a Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom (with around 100 calories) to make your own mini sundae that you can have any day as a snack. Not only is it lower in calories, but it's high in protein and contains live cultures to support intestinal health.
Ingredients
4 oz Greek yogurt with Strawberry on the bottom (around 100 calories or less)
1 oz chopped nuts
Directions
Peel the top off of the Greek Yogurt, add nuts and enjoy!
Calories = 150 calories (You save 130 calories)
Cheesecake Bite
Cheesecake is a rich dessert that has, on average, the same amount, or more, of calories as a meal -per slice. The below recipe is a quick substitution that is rich and flavorful but contains 1/3 of the calories.
Ingredients
1 square (from a sheet - usually 1/4th of a sheet) of a low fat graham cracker
1 oz of Celebrity International Goat Cheese with Cranberry & Cinnamon
Directions
Simply spread the goat cheese on top of the graham cracker.
Calories = 95 calories (You save 255 calories)
Salty and Sweet
If you like a combination of sweet and salty, this recipe is for you. By using a low calorie chocolate pudding, you can enjoy chocolate covered pretzels guilt free.
Ingredients
½ cup Sugar free chocolate pudding
20 thin pretzel sticks (or 55 calories worth of pretzels)
Directions:
Follow pudding directions. Once ready, dip the pretzels into the pudding.
Calories: 135 (You save 142 calories)
DISCLAIMER: Neither the Author nor this web site is affiliated with or funded by any of the food products mentioned in this article.
Healthy Sundae
The McDonald's Strawberry Sundae with chopped nuts is a classic favorite. However, this sundae has 280 calories in it. By making your own version, you'll save gas, money and calories. Use a Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom (with around 100 calories) to make your own mini sundae that you can have any day as a snack. Not only is it lower in calories, but it's high in protein and contains live cultures to support intestinal health.
Ingredients
4 oz Greek yogurt with Strawberry on the bottom (around 100 calories or less)
1 oz chopped nuts
Directions
Peel the top off of the Greek Yogurt, add nuts and enjoy!
Calories = 150 calories (You save 130 calories)
Cheesecake BiteCheesecake is a rich dessert that has, on average, the same amount, or more, of calories as a meal -per slice. The below recipe is a quick substitution that is rich and flavorful but contains 1/3 of the calories.
Ingredients
1 square (from a sheet - usually 1/4th of a sheet) of a low fat graham cracker
1 oz of Celebrity International Goat Cheese with Cranberry & Cinnamon
Directions
Simply spread the goat cheese on top of the graham cracker.
Calories = 95 calories (You save 255 calories)
Salty and Sweet
If you like a combination of sweet and salty, this recipe is for you. By using a low calorie chocolate pudding, you can enjoy chocolate covered pretzels guilt free.
Ingredients
½ cup Sugar free chocolate pudding
20 thin pretzel sticks (or 55 calories worth of pretzels)
Directions:
Follow pudding directions. Once ready, dip the pretzels into the pudding.
Calories: 135 (You save 142 calories)
DISCLAIMER: Neither the Author nor this web site is affiliated with or funded by any of the food products mentioned in this article.Mandy Seay is a bilingual registered and licensed dietitian who holds both a bachelor's degree in nutrition and in journalism. After gaining 30 pounds while living abroad, Mandy worked to lose the weight and regain her health. It was here that she discovered her passion for nutrition and went on to pursue a career as a dietitian. Mandy currently works as a nutrition consultant and freelance writer in Austin, Texas, where she specializes in diabetes, weight management and general and preventive nutrition. She recently published her first book, Your Best Health, a personalized program to losing weight and gaining a healthy lifestyle. Please visit Mandy's website at Nutritionistics.com.
