Healthy, Indulgent Dessert Ideas that Will Fit into Your Diet
Although I eat a healthy, low glycemic diet that focuses on whole plant foods, I too still sometimes feel like I need to balance all the savory flavors in my eating with a little something sweet. In the past, that meant eating healthy all day and then caving into something not-so-healthy like ice cream or a baked good. Now, I have realized how essential it is to be able to satisfy your desire to eat sweet foods without overdoing the sugar or calories. Here, I will share with you some of my favorite healthy, satisfying desserts.
My favorite is probably organic yogurt. I generally try to choose plain yogurt due to the lower sugar content and then add my favorite flavorings: cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Sometimes I also like to mix in fresh berries, milled flaxseed, vanilla, or a little cocoa powder. Altogether, it makes for a creamy, dessert-like treat rich in anti-oxidants, protein, digestion aiding bacteria and spices, omega 3 fatty acids, and taste.
A second favorite of mine is a square of 85% dark chocolate slathered with a tablespoon of organic, natural peanut butter. This is a decadent bite sized treat rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and low in sugar. You won’t feel “deprived” at all on your healthy eating plan if you get to eat this treat regularly!
Another favorite is homemade hot chocolate. I heat up a glass of almond or soy milk, and then stir in cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a little bit of stevia for sweetness. You can also make a warm autumnal beverage by heating up your milk and then adding pumpkin pie spice and your chosen sweetener.
If I want something sweet and refreshing, I always indulge in a large apple. I bypass the boring red delicious and pick a bright, russeted, glowing variety such as the Macintosh, Cortland, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. I eat the apple alone and savor all its natural attributes: the juicy, creamy flesh, the bright, flavorful skin, and the ripe, pleasant smell. I also enjoy pairing my apple with a small serving or organic yogurt. Choose organic and/or local apples for the best experience.
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