You may think that in order to achieve the body of your dreams, you have to give up your favorite meal of the day—a.k.a. dessert. Luckily, we’re happy to share that this isn’t the case! While it’s always a good idea to stay away from ultra-processed bake goods, sugary ice cream, and things of that nature, there are plenty of healthy options to choose from. And they still taste great, too!
To discover some of the healthiest desserts you can enjoy while shedding pounds, we spoke to health experts dietitian Trista Best from Balance One Supplements, nutritionist and personal trainer Mary Sabat, and Daniel Boyer, MD from Farr Institute. They told us that dark chocolate, avocado brownies, and yogurt parfaits are all wonderful choices. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these healthy sweet treats!
1. Dark chocolate
As if we have to give you a reason to eat chocolate, here's one: dark chocolate is packed with health benefits! In fact, experts agree that it's one of the best sweet treats you can enjoy regularly with out worrying about putting your weight loss goals at risk. This is largely thanks to its fiber content.
"Dark chocolate is high in fiber, which can help you feel full more quickly and prevent blood sugar spikes. It is also low in calories while providing significant amounts of magnesium, which is vital to healthy muscles, bones, and teeth," Dr. Boyer says. Just remember to enjoy this dessert in moderation, just like anything else.
2. Avocado brownies
Although it may sound like a strange combination, avocado brownies are just as delicious as your typical version—and so much more weight loss-friendly! Sabat explains that avocados provide a fantastic amount of healthy fats, "which are a great source of energy."
Additionally, avocado brownies "contain less sugar than traditional brownies and are a great source of fiber," which, as we mentioned above, is great news for anyone looking to lose weight as it can help you manage your blood sugar and avoid overeating. When you add natural sweetener to the mix, you've got yourself a delicious, nutritious dessert.
3. Yogurt parfait
Yogurt isn't just a yummy, protein-rich breakfast ingredient. It can also be part of the perfect healthy dessert to help you please your sweet tooth. When you add fruit to the mix (like antioxidant-rich berries, perhaps?), there's no resisting this sweet but nutritious snack.
"A yogurt parfait is a healthy dessert option because it is made with nutritious ingredients that can provide a range of health benefits," Best tells us. This choice is "a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can help support digestive health and boost the immune system." Perfect! You can even add a number of different crunchy nuts and seeds on top, which offer up their own incredible benefits for weight loss.
The bottom line
So there you have it: Desserts don't have to lead to extra weight! While you're navigating your weight loss journey, trading fattening treats for nutritious options like these (in moderation, of course) is a fantastic way to stay on track with your goals. The best part? You don't have to sacrifice great flavor for that smaller waistline.
