Trying To Eat Healthier?

Explore Nutritious Dessert Options For A Healthier Indulgence

Whether it’s the new year and you’re determined to stick to your new resolution to eat healthier or you’re trying to overhaul your diet, you’re probably on the lookout for healthier recipes.

While loading up on sugar-laden foods on the reg is a big no-no, a little indulgence here and there doesn’t hurt.

Healthy eating means something different to everyone. To some, that means no refined sugar, dairy, or grain. To others, it means eating vegan, Paleo, gluten-free, low-carb, low-fat, low-sodium, or Whole 30. Not to mention to those whom it means simply sticking to, above, or below a certain calorie threshold. I’m not going to tell you what eating healthy means to you. I’m going to tell you what it means to me.

To me, healthy eating means eating the right amount of nutrient-rich calories to fuel my body for what I want it to do.

So, if you want to be extra careful about what you’re putting in your body, you can swap traditional cupcakes and donuts with more nutrient-dense dessert options made with whole food ingredients.

Whether your weakness is chocolate, candy, or cake, it might be difficult to resist sweet treats despite their high sugar, calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content. Fortunately, there are healthier options.

With a little creativity and some strategic swaps, you can enjoy desserts that satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.

Why Do We  Crave Sweets

It’s not unusual to crave sugar and chocolate when you are stressed, craving can be your body’s way of letting you know it’s not getting something it needs, when craving comes, consider the message your body is attempting to convey to you before giving in and grabbing that cookie or candy straight away.For instance, our bodies may be deficient in specific nutrients or overindulged in a particular food type, which can lead to cravings for sugar.Carving unhealthy desserts might also be influenced by cultural or social factors, such as celebrations, traditions, or peer influence. Additionally, the appeal of unhealthy desserts could stem from their high sugar and fat content, which triggers pleasure centers in the brain, making them seem irresistible. However, it’s important to balance indulgence with healthier food choices to maintain overall well-being.

What Are Healthy Desserts

Healthy desserts are sweet treats that are made with nutritious ingredients and are lower in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories compared to traditional desserts. They often include ingredients such as fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates.

 

Benefits Of Healthy Desserts

Nutrient Density: Healthy desserts often contain ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These nutrients support various bodily functions and contribute to overall health.

Lower Sugar Content: Traditional desserts are often loaded with refined sugars, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and energy crashes. Healthy dessert alternatives typically use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates, which provide sweetness without the same negative effects on blood sugar.

Fiber Content: Many healthy desserts incorporate high fiber ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber helps regulate digestion, keeps you feeling full longer, and can aid in weight management.

Healthy Fats: Some healthy desserts include sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds. These fats are essential for heart health, brain function, and overall wellbeing.

Customization: Healthy dessert recipes are often versatile, allowing you to customize them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, gluten free, or have other dietary restrictions.

 

Ways To Incorporate Healthy Desserts In Your Meal

Fruit Focused Delights:

Nature’s candy comes in the form of vibrant fruits, bursting with flavor and nutrients. Embrace the natural sweetness of fruits like berries, mangoes, and kiwis to craft delightful desserts. Whip up a refreshing fruit salad, skewer fruits for a colorful kabob, or blend them into a creamy smoothie.

 

 

 

For a special treat, grill pineapple or peaches for a caramelized flavor or bake apples with cinnamon for a cozy dessert that feels indulgent yet guilt-free.

Yogurt Parfaits With A Twist:

Greek yogurt serves as a versatile base for creating decadent yet healthy desserts. Layer it with fresh berries, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of honey for a parfait that’s both creamy and satisfying. Experiment with different toppings such as chopped nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor. With the protein-packed goodness of yogurt, you’ll feel full and energized without the sugar crash.

Decadent Dark Chocolate Treats:

Chocolate lovers rejoice, for dark chocolate is not only delicious but also boasts numerous health benefits. Opt for high quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher to enjoy its antioxidant rich goodness. Indulge in a square or two as a mindful dessert or get creative by incorporating it into recipes like homemade truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries, or a velvety avocado chocolate mousse. With dark chocolate, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your well-being.

Baking With Health In Mind:

Transform traditional baked goods into wholesome treats by making simple ingredient swaps. Replace refined flour with whole wheat or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients. Substitute butter with mashed bananas, apple sauce, or avocado for a heart healthy twist. Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or dates to reduce refined sugar content. Whether it’s guilt free cookies, moist banana bread, or fudgy black bean brownies, there’s a healthier version of your favorite baked goods waiting to be discovered.

Here’s a simple customized  recipe for Banana Oatmeal Cookies:

These cookies are naturally sweetened by the ripe bananas and dried fruit, and they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the oats, nuts, and seeds. They’re also customizable, so feel free to add your favorite mix ins like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds of your choice (such as walnuts, almonds,)

1/4 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, chopped dates)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: nutmeg, or other spices of choice to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts or seeds, dried fruit, vanilla extract, and any optional spices to the mashed bananas. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten and shape each cookie into your desired size and thickness.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

By embracing these delicious and nutritious dessert alternatives, you can indulge in the joys of dessert while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. So go ahead, elevate your dessert game, and savor every bite knowing that you’re making choices that support your well-being.

Happy eating!