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Everyone thinks that they can’t enjoy dessert if they’re dieting, but experts say that’s sooo far from the truth. Sure, you can’t have a piece of decadent chocolate cake or deep-fried sweets anymore, but that doesn’t mean that there are healthier options out there. In fact, there are some that SO healthy that they can even boost your metabolism! The secret is making sure that it’s low in calories, fat, and sugar and made with healthy ingredients.
Regina Fazzini, a New York-based nutritionist, says you should opt for homemade desserts instead of store-bought treats. “Most low-calorie desserts you see in the store are filled with unhealthy ingredients and preservatives,” she tells SheFinds. “Some can even contain more sugar, fat, and calories than the original versions. You’re better off making your old dessert at home with natural, metabolism-boosting ingredients.”
Need some new dessert recipes? Here are five that Fazzini and other nutritionists swear by for when your sweet tooth comes calling:
Healthy Energy Bites with Dates, Apricots, Cashews, & Coconut
Ingredients:
2 cups raw unsalted cashew nuts
1 cup dried apricots
1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup chopped dates
Zest from 1 orange {~ 1 teaspoon}
Zest from 1 lemon {~1 teaspoon}
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
Basil-Berry Lemonade Sorbet
Ingredients:
1 c. sugar
1 c. lightly packed fresh basil
6 c. frozen mixed berries
3/4 c. lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
Ingredients:
3 peaches, pitted and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
5 tbsp. butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 c. plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. shredded zucchini
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. old-fashioned oats
2-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites
Ingredients:
6 very ripe bananas
¾ cup mini chocolate chips, divided
Ingredients:
3 bananas
1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
1 cup almond butter crunchy
(optional) ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
