Even the most committed dieters and fitness enthusiasts have cravings for desserts. Sometimes it is not a bad idea to reward yourself with a treat, especially if that treat does not compromise your fitness and wellness goals. Eating healthy desserts can actually help you to satisfy your sweet tooth and not feel inclined to binge on foods that do your body no good. If you have a sweet tooth that will not go away, you should know which desserts you can eat to complement your healthful lifestyle.
Whole Fruit
The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service recommends eating fruit for dessert. Whether used as a snacking food or as a dessert, one food group that can satisfy your sweet tooth is fruit. Aside from being sweet, whole fruit is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are welcome additions to anyone's diet. Whole fruit is also recommended because it is filling. You'll be less likely to continue eating or become hungry within the next few hours. Chilled, fresh fruit is suggested over canned fruit. Canned fruit is often preserved in a sugary corn syrup that adds additional empty calories that will raise your blood sugar. The American Council on Exercise recommends blueberries, grapefruit, oranges and watermelon as healthy fruits that are especially low in calories.
Healthy Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
If you are watching your calories, another healthy dessert choice is nonfat yogurt or nonfat Greek yogurt. Make sure you buy the versions that are low in fat and low in sugar. Nonfat Greek yogurt is particularly healthful according to the "Los Angeles Times," because it is rich in quality protein. The UCLA Center for Human Nutrition reports that Greek yogurt is an ideal health food choice, because it "has all the benefits of a high-quality protein without the fat and without the calories." Add whole fruit or a small amount of unsalted nuts if you like.
Natural Dark Chocolate
In moderation, dark chocolate can satisfy your taste buds and make a healthful dessert. Purchase all-natural or organic dark chocolate that is not sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or made with added sugars. Unlike milk chocolate or other lighter forms of chocolate, dark chocolate is extremely high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to help the aging process and may even reduce your risk of getting certain types of cancer. The cocoa flavonoids in natural dark chocolate can decrease your low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol. Since chocolate is still high in sugar, you should only consume small to moderate amounts.
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