One of the most important parts of keeping your body healthy is maintaining a balanced diet. And although that means limiting your intake of refined sugar and processed carbs, it doesn’t mean you have to give up dessert altogether. Yes, many of the popular dessert choices out there are, admittedly, terrible for your health. But luckily, there are plenty of options that are as healthy as they are delicious—you may just have to expand your horizons a bit! The truth is that, when you make the right choices, a bit of dessert can fit perfectly into your healthy lifestyle and your weight loss journey.
To discover a few of the best healthy, low-calorie desserts that won’t spike your blood sugar or stand in the way of your dream body, we spoke to dietitian Catherine Gervacio. She told us that coconut chia popsicles, avocado & cocoa mousse, and a sugar-free yogurt parfait are all fantastic options. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
1. Coconut Chia Popsicles
It may be a little chilly outside for popsicles right now, but you'll definitely want to tuck this idea into your pocket for when the warmer months roll around. Gervacio recommends trying out some coconut chia seed popsicles, which are delicious, refreshing, and so good for you.
"Coconut is a flavorful and creamy ingredient for a popsicle and it will certainly go well with chia seeds," she says. She points out that the coconut is rich in important healthy fats, while chia seeds pack in fiber. "This fat-fiber combination lowers the impact of blood sugar as it takes a longer time to digest."
And if you want to add a bit of sweetness, she has some extra advice: "This dessert is already flavorful, but adding non-caloric sweetener for this won’t hurt." Just be sure to stay away from refined sugar; it's no secret that consuming too much can lead to many health issues, including weight gain.
2. Avocado and Cocoa Mousse
Chocolate mousse is one of the most decadent desserts around—and it's also typically high in sugar and other fattening ingredients that could take a toll on your body. That's where avocado mousse comes in handy; it offers all of the decadence without the health risks.
"I like this dessert because it gives a chocolatey flavor without the added sugar," Gervacio says. "The recipe only needs 2 ripe avocados, ¼ cup cocoa, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract." Not only does this taste great, but it can also offer up health benefits. "Cocoa contains flavonoids, a compound currently studied for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity," Gervacio points out. Meanwhile, she says, "Avocados are low GI food which means it doesn’t spike blood sugar." Perfect!
3. Berries with Sugar-Free Yogurt
You can't go wrong with a classic! If you're craving something sweet but don't want to load up on sugar, reaching for sugar-free yogurt and topping it with berries is a fantastic idea. "This is a classic dessert for people on weight loss or are managing blood glucose issues," Gervacio notes.
For starters, berries are loaded with health benefits thanks to their high fiber content and antioxidant properties. "Berries are also low GI foods and they are rich in fiber," Gervacio says.
Yogurt is another fantastic food that always makes a great option for your health. "Sugar-free yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics, which aids in blood sugar levels. Protein takes time to digest while probiotics help in fermenting dietary fibers to help in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity." Perfect!
The bottom line
So, there you have it: Losing weight doesn't have to mean avoiding dessert like the plague. Of course, keep in mind that it's always important to practice moderation. Even too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, as they say, so be sure to be conscious of serving sizes while enjoying these desserts. But next time you want to treat yourself without dealing with the guilt of overindulging, any of Gervacio's recommendations will make a perfect choice. Bon appetite!
