Creating a healthy dessert is important when you have dietary restrictions that limit your calorie or sugar intake. Finding options that are rich in nutrients without sacrificing taste is a simple solution that ensures you have a dish that is delicious and packed with nutrients.
Sugar Free Pie
Pie is an all-time favorite in many household. If you are on a calorie or sugar restricted diet, you may miss the creamy texture and flaky crust of a cream based pie. One alternative is to make a filling using sugar free pudding mix combined with cream cheese. The cream cheese can be fat free or reduced calorie to cut the fat and calorie content even further. To make this recipe you will need to make two large boxes of any flavor sugar free pudding according to the package directions. Mix in one softened, eight ounce package of cream cheese, then pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Coconut Mousse
All you need for this dessert is a can of coconut milk and dutch process cocoa. The coconut milk in this recipe is full fat, however, but the nutrients, which includes B vitamins and heart healthy vitamin E, in the milk are worth the fat content. To make mousse you need to mix one fifteen ounce can of coconut milk with two tablespoons of Dutch process cocoa until the mix is fluffy. Chill for at least one hour before serving. This recipe will serve four to six people.
Fruit Desserts with Whipped Cream
Fruit is a healthy alternative to traditional desserts. If you want to make a fruit platter a little more appealing or want to create a dessert for a special occasion, try adding fat free whipped cream to the plate. You can make your own low fat or fat free whipped cream by mixing one can of fat free evaporated milk with about one-fourth a cup of confectioner’s sugar and whipping the mix until it becomes light and fluffy.
Dark Chocolate and Berries
Drizzling dark chocolate over berries, such as blueberries or dried cranberries, is a great way to get a sweet fix and add some healthy antioxidants to your diet. Try melting high quality dark cocoa, or chocolate that is at least 60% cocoa, in the microwave to make this dessert in no time. Once the chocolate is melted, drizzle it over your berry mixture. Refrigerate the berries until the chocolate is hardened. You can also drizzle dark chocolate over almonds to boost vitamin content. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and heart healthy dark chocolate contains plenty of antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt isn’t a traditional dessert but when mixed into a parfait, it becomes a delicious, cool treat that will entice you to eat healthier. Opt for fat free Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and rich taste. To make a parfait, layer your choice of fresh fruit and yogurt in a clear bowl or serving dish. Top with a layer of organic granola for crunch, or opt for a sprinkling of fresh peppermint leaves if you want to keep the dessert lighter.
Each of these desserts can be made in just a few minutes using a blender or food processor, giving you more time to enjoy your friends and family and providing you with a delicious dessert that won’t pack on the pounds.