For some of us, “healthy and tasty” desserts seem almost like an oxymoron.
The following suggestions of desserts that can actually be good for you and tasty too are just the tip of the iceberg.
You already know, but remember also, that you can enjoy most any kind of dessert if you take small size portions and make proper choices.
Five reminders for healthy and tasty dessert type snacks.
*If buying small packages within larger package sizes is costly for you, try buying the large size and then separate small portion sizes in baggies. If you do this immediately, you will likely be satisfied with 5 small chocolate chip cookies rather than be tempted to sit down with the whole bag of cookies,
*Many stores are making purchases more nutrient/user friendly. It takes time, but it you must shop the cookie aisle, check packages to see which kind of cookies would be best for you. Remember, cookie sizes and helping sizes are also extremely important to a healthy diet.
*Have a small bowl of fruit on the counter, rather than sweets. Buy fruits your family likes and you will all soon learn to bite into the apple rather than the Snickers.
*Keeping healthy snacks cut up in a pretty bowl in the frig where they are easily reached can entice all of us to reach in an pull out apple or orange slices when we need a quick snack. The fruit slices or pieces are also quickly available to add something sweet and healthy to a carried lunch or meal at home.
The following five ideas aren’t actually recipes. They are ideas or helps for you to substitute healthy and yummy desserts. They can take the place of cakes covered with icing, ice cream with huge amounts of hot fudge, pecan type pies, candy bars and vending machine treats.
1. Crepes filled with fruit and a touch of whip added to make them more attractive. Crepes can be purchased or simply made in a skillet. Because they are so thin, you won’t waste many calories, yet will have a great tasting and tempting dessert.
2. Fruit kabobs can be made ahead and children enjoy pushing on their favorite fruits. Special kabob shapes or just toothpicks or other bamboo sticks can hold the kabob fruits. You could serve with a dab of whipped topping for a pretty dessert. They could also be tucked into a carried lunch or be available for fun snacks.
3. Dessert pizza is always a winner. Use angel food cake as the bottom. This could be home made, or a purchased cake could be sliced and covered with a thin bit of sour cream, cream cheese or yogurt. Add small pieces of fruit on top. Choose fruits that you and your family love to make this dessert extra special.
4. Vanilla pie can be served very attractively and it is truly yummy. Gingersnaps or graham crackers can be crushed and blended with margarine to make the crust. Add sugarless pudding for the pie filling. It can be topped with whipped topping and a slice of fruit. Or even a small piece of chocolate could be placed on top for a tasty and appealing dessert that is good for you.
5. Splendid Strawberries can be easy to fix and served in a variety of ways. Wash and cut berries to size you want for your dessert – or leave whole. Add Splenda to berries and put into the frig for at least an hour. A lovely juice will form and thicken from the Splenda. This could be served in pretty individual serving glasses or cups, served over angel food cake, sugarless puddings etc. You could top with whipped topping and additional berries if you choose.
If you feel you “need” chocolate, add a small piece of really good dark chocolate to the dessert plate. Serve with special coffees or teas. No one will feel like they’re being deprived. They may not even realize they’re eating healthy.
