This post has been updated since it was originally published on August 11, 2019.
So maybe you can’t eat anything nonstop—calories add up no matter how healthy your food choices.
But if you are trying to lose weight AND curb your sweet tooth, denying yourself fun foods is only going to cause frustration. A better plan is to indulge once in a while on healthier desserts that are lower in calories and sugar, but will still give your tongue a thrill.
Here are six anti-inflammatory desserts you can eat non-stop without gaining a pound.
Fruit Popsicles
Popsicles are usually low in calories and can contain vitamins and minerals — not to mention they’re excellent for cooling you down on hot days.
Some store-bought varieties contain fruit juice and more sugar than necessary, but you can easily make homemade fruit popsicles using ingredients like strawberries, peaches, honey, and Greek yogurt.
Chia Pudding
It’s rich, creamy, and filled with protein-packed chia seeds, which also contain filling fiber. It’s also simple to make. This chia pudding recipe requires just three ingredients:
Chia seeds
Almond milk
Honey or another sweetener of your choice
Nut Butter
A nut butter like almond or peanut butter is a rich source of protein and healthy fat that keeps you satisfied for hours. Spread a tablespoon of nut butter on celery or apple slices for a nutritious, creamy, and delicious dessert snack.
Dark Chocolate
Slightly bitter, slightly sweet, with an amazing texture that feels positively decadent, dark chocolate is an excellent healthy dessert option. Chocolate with a cacao content of 60 percent or higher contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals — and less sugar — than milk chocolate.
Yogurt with Blueberries
Sweeten healthy Greek yogurt with antioxidant-rich blueberries and a touch of raw honey and you’ll make the most out of this creamy dessert-like food, which is also a source of probiotics that keep your gut balanced and can prevent belly fat.
Cheese
Not in the mood for sugary desserts? Try a few pieces of cheese, which provide calcium and can actually prevent weight gain, according to studies.
The cheese varieties that are lowest in calories include feta, mozzarella, Swiss, and parmesan.
