Craving something sweet but worried about your waistline? Look no further! We’ve gathered four of the best, easy low-sugar dessert recipes that you can whip up in just 10 minutes or under. These delicious treats are not only quick and easy to make but also help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.
We checked in with Dr. James Hook to find out which sweet treats you can indulge in guilt-free while satisfying your sweet tooth without the excess sugar and calories. He revealed that apple nachos, avocado chocolate mousse, cottage cheese, and berry chia pudding are a few of the best options.
Apple Nachos
Apples are naturally low in calories, making them an ideal base for a healthy dessert. Apples are high in dietary fiber, which helps you feel full longer, curbing overeating and snacking between meals.
"Apple nachos is my favorite dessert. You only need to slice an apple and mix it with peanut butter, nuts, or honey. Within a few minutes, the dessert is ready to go. Apple contains antioxidants and fibers, which are vital in enhancing satiety and reducing cravings for sugary foods," he says.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help keep you full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support metabolic health, both of which are beneficial for weight loss.
"Avocado chocolate mousse is another dessert that can be part of your diet without weight loss concerns. You can prepare the mousse by scooping avocado flesh, adding cocoa powder, and blending until it's smooth. Avocado and cocoa are effective in boosting metabolism and promoting weight loss," he says. However, he adds that "it’s good to put small amounts of cocoa" to keep things in moderation.
Cottage cheese and pineapple
Pineapple provides natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars and making it a healthier dessert option. Cottage cheese has a low glycemic index, which means it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, helping to prevent spikes and crashes that can lead to cravings.
"Cottage cheese and pineapple also take a couple of minutes to prepare. You only need some low-fat cottage cheese and some slices of pineapple. The dessert has a high content of protein, and pineapple aids in weight loss as it contains enzymes useful in burning fat in the body," he reveals.
Berry chia pudding
Chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, helping to keep you hydrated and further promoting a feeling of fullness. Berries provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for any added sugars.
"Berry chia pudding is another low-sugar dessert you can make easily. Put chia seeds mixed with almond milk. Stir the mixture well and allow it to sit for nearly 9 minutes. Afterwards, you can add berries. Chia seeds contain soluble fiber used in absorbing water, making you fuller for a long time. That helps in reducing your calorie intake and enhancing weight loss," Hook notes.