The Best Healthy Desserts

What Makes a Dessert Healthy?

To qualify as a healthy dessert, a treat should have:

• Reasonable portion sizes
• Natural, whole food ingredients
• Nutrient-density (provides beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, healthy fats)
• Low calorie and low carb options for those watching their intake
• Great taste that satisfies cravings

A healthy dessert doesn't have to be bland or boring. By focusing on nourishing ingredients and keeping servings moderate, you can have your cake and eat it too!

10 Best Healthy Dessert Ideas

Now that we know what constitutes a healthy dessert, let's explore some delicious options. Here are our top 10 picks for the best healthy desserts:

1. Fruit-based desserts: Mother Nature's candy is a perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Try grilled pineapple, baked apples, or berry crumbles.
2. Dark chocolate: Rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) can be a healthy dessert when enjoyed in moderation. Melt it as a fruit dip or savor a couple squares solo.
3. Yogurt parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed treat.
4. Chia seed pudding: These tiny nutrient powerhouses gel up when soaked in milk to create a luscious pudding. Top with fruit and enjoy.
5. Baked apples or pears: Core your favorite fruit, stuff with oats, nuts and spices, then bake until tender for a comforting healthy dessert.
6. Frozen banana "nice cream": Blend frozen bananas until smooth and creamy for an ice cream dupe that's naturally sweet.
7. Avocado chocolate mousse: Believe it or not, blending avocado with cocoa powder, milk, and sweetener whips up a decadent, velvety mousse.
8. Black bean brownies: Swapping flour for pureed black beans adds fiber and protein to your favorite fudgy treat. You won't even taste the difference!
9. Cinnamon roasted nuts: Toss mixed nuts with egg white, spices and a touch of sweetener, then bake for a crunchy candied treat.
10. Homemade popsicles: Freeze pureed fruit or yogurt in popsicle molds for a refreshing, customizable treat.

With these healthy dessert ideas, you'll never feel deprived while sticking to your wellness goals.

5 Quick and Easy Low Calorie Dessert Recipes

For those times when you want a healthy dessert STAT, having some quick and easy low calorie dessert recipes on hand is key. Here are 5 of our favorites:

1. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Melt dark chocolate, dip fresh strawberries, then let set in the fridge for an elegant treat.
2. Yogurt Bark: Spread Greek yogurt on a parchment-lined baking sheet, top with fruit and nuts, then freeze and break into pieces.
3. Watermelon Sorbet: Freeze cubed watermelon, then blend until smooth for a refreshing, icy treat.
4. Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix peanut butter, sugar, egg and vanilla, then bake for soft, chewy, naturally gluten-free cookies.
5. Chocolate Avocado Truffles: Blend avocado, cocoa powder, sweetener and vanilla, then roll into balls and dust with cocoa for rich, fudgy truffles.

These easy desserts prove that you don't need a lot of time, ingredients, or calories to make something delicious.

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." - Ernestine Ulmer

Tips for Enjoying Dessert on a Low Calorie Diet

Sticking to a low calorie diet doesn't mean you have to swear off dessert entirely. The key is being smart about how you indulge. Here are some tips for enjoying dessert while keeping calories in check:

• Practice mindful eating: Take the time to slowly savor each bite and appreciate your dessert with all your senses. You'll feel more satisfied with less.
• Share or split desserts: Restaurant portions are often oversized. Share with a friend or ask for a half-portion to keep calories reasonable.
• Make your own lowcal desserts: By making dessert yourself, you control the ingredients and portions. Try low calorie, low carb recipes or very low calorie desserts to keep intake in check.
• Fruit is your friend: Fruit is naturally sweet and packed with fiber and nutrients. Enjoy it on its own or use it as the base for healthy desserts.
• Don't deprive yourself: Constantly saying "no" to dessert can lead to feelings of deprivation and cravings. Allow yourself to mindfully enjoy a treat when you really want it.

Remember, the goal isn't to eat low calorie desserts 100% of the time. It's about balance, moderation, and making smart choices most of the time.

Conclusion

Eating healthy desserts is totally possible with the right recipes and mindset.

At the end of the day, life is too short to always skip dessert. You can absolutely enjoy dessert and stick to your low calorie diet most of the time, while still savoring the occasional indulgence.

Writer: Allison Allison is a seasoned nutritionist and writer with over 15 years in health and weight management. She's authored journals on medical weight loss and bariatric medicine, and has specialized in bariatric foods.

Reviewed By: Dr. K. Huffman Dr. Kevin D. Huffman, D.O., is a board-certified bariatric physician renowned for his expertise in treating obesity. With over 10,000 patients and a reputation as a national leader in bariatric medicine, he has trained hundreds of healthcare providers. Dr. Huffman develops protocols and training materials sought after by medical societies, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and hospitals.