Maintaining a healthy diet and losing weight shouldn’t have to mean ignoring your sweet tooth. Unfortunately, though, many of your favorite desserts are likely loaded with sugar, which you probably know can lead to a range of health risks, including weight gain. However, there are plenty of healthy options out there that are as nutritious as they are delicious. In moderation, many sweet treats can actually support your weight loss goals.
To shed some light on a few of the best options that can give you your sweet fix without contributing too much to weight gain, we spoke to nutrition experts Trista Best, Mary Sabat, and Lisa Richards, creator of the Candida Diet. They recommended avocado mousse, yogurt parfaits, and coconut chia pudding. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these tasty treats.
1. Avocado mousse
When you think of chocolate mousse, you likely think of something decadent and rich, with a lot of cream and sugar. However, with this avocado mousse recipe from Richards, that doesn't have to be the case! Avocado is loaded with benefits, and adding some natural sweetness to the mix can take your taste buds to heaven.
"This recipe is not only nutrient-dense, but quick and easy as well," Richards says. "It contains a simple assortment of ingredients including avocado, plain yogurt, blueberries, sliced almonds, and coconut milk to name a few." All of these ingredients are great for you. Berries, for example, are rich in antioxidants, helping to keep inflammation to a minimum. "Dessert doesn't have to sidetrack you from your weight loss goals," Richards assures us.
2. Yogurt parfait
Yogurt doesn't just have to be for breakfast. If you find yourself craving some sugary ice cream after dinner, opting for a sweet yogurt parfait can be a great alternative. Yogurt has tons of benefits that can help you lose weight, and it also offers a lot of opportunities for delicious but healthy toppings.
"A yogurt parfait is a healthy dessert option because it is made with nutritious ingredients that can provide a range of health benefits," Best says. She notes that yogurt is "a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can help support digestive health and boost the immune system." However, it's important to choose the type of yogurt you use wisely; while plain Greek yogurt can do wonders for your body, flavored, sweetened varieties will likely do more harm than good.
3. Coconut chia pudding
Who says pudding has to be loaded with sugar? Put the Snack Pack down and grab some chia seeds and coconut milk! The small but mighty chia seed is one of the best ingredients you can eat for weight loss, and chia pudding makes a delicious dessert or snack.
"Coconut chia pudding is considered a guilt-free dessert because it is made with wholesome ingredients that are low in sugar and contain healthy fats and fiber," Sabat says. In addition to the fact that chia seeds are nutrient-rich but low in calories, she adds that "Coconut milk is also a great source of healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full for longer." This means you're less likely to overindulge, which is a major benefit for anyone trying to lose weight.
And when you use natural sweeteners, you've got a guilt-free pudding that your waistline will love as much as your taste buds do. "I prefer to use stevia to sweeten and an unsweetened cocoa if you are looking for a chocolatey flavor," Sabat says.
The bottom line
It's crucial to keep in mind that although these desserts are healthy, they should be enjoyed in moderation, just like everything else. Anything consumed in excess can lead to weight gain. Additionally, remember that it's okay to treat yourself to the dessert you're really craving sometimes. But if a healthy dessert is what you're after, taking inspiration from this list is a great way to go for both your tastebuds and your body.
