1. Avocado mousse
Did you know you can enjoy a delicious mousse without loading up on calories and sugar? Richards' avocado mousse recipe can really come in handy for the health-conscious dessert-lovers out there. "This recipe is not only nutrient-dense, but quick and easy as well," she says. "It contains a simple assortment of ingredients including avocado, plain yogurt, blueberries, sliced almonds, and coconut milk to name a few." In addition to being super easy to whip up, this low-calorie dessert is also full of healthy fats that can help you reach your weight loss goals. "Dessert doesn't have to sidetrack you from your weight loss goals," Richards concludes. Find her full recipe here!
2. Yogurt parfait
When you're craving something sweet after dinner, your best bet could be to break out a few ingredients that we typically eat at breakfast: yogurt and fruit. Best says a classic yogurt parfait can help you give into your cravings without sacrificing your weight loss goals. "A yogurt parfait is a healthy dessert option because it is made with nutritious ingredients that can provide a range of health benefits," she says, citing it as "a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can help support digestive health and boost the immune system." Fruit isn't only a natural source of sweetness; it's also high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Plus, when you add crunchy nuts and seeds to the mix, you'll be filling your dessert with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Just be sure to go with plain or low-fat yogurt and keep the added sugar to a minimum if you want to ensure you're indulging in a weight loss-friendly dessert.
3. Coconut chia pudding
Love pudding? You can still get your fix while you're on your weight loss journey! "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 tells us. Chia seeds are an incredible ingredient for anyone looking to slim down, as they're highly satiating and a great source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. "Coconut milk is also a great source of healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full for longer," she adds. Another major plus of this nutritious dessert is the fact that it's super-versatile, which means you can add all of your favorite healthy toppings to suit your taste. "I prefer to use stevia to sweeten and an unsweetened cocoa if you are looking for a chocolatey flavor," Sabat says. Yum!
4. Avocado brownies
Here's another avocado-based dessert—and this time, there's chocolate involved. Sign us up! Sabat says that avocado brownies are a great source of healthy fats, "which are a great source of energy." She points out that "they also contain less sugar than traditional brownies and are a great source of fiber," which is essential to your diet for a few reasons, especially when it comes to weight loss. In order to keep these brownies as healthy as possible, you can add stevia instead of sugar, which Sabat says "will make these an even better choice for a guilt-free dessert." Delicious, nutritious, and totally guilt-free—what more could you want from your dessert?
The bottom line
Ultimately, it's important to remember that the key to staying healthy and losing weight is enjoying everything in moderation. Which is to say that if you want to eat a bit of chocolate after dinner every now and then, you should feel free to treat yourself (in fact, it could even have health benefits!). Additionally, no matter how healthy your dessert is, eating too much of it could lead to health issues. However, if you keep moderation in mind as you eat the above desserts, you'll be able to stay on track with your health goals and slim down as easily as ever!