Have a sweet tooth, or feeling munchy after your meal? Try these clever dessert swaps that your health, and waistline, will thank you for.
Ice cream. Cut up ripe bananas into small pieces and freeze them until cravings hit. Then, add them to a favourite fruit in your blender until they reach ice cream consistency. Sprinkle in some cinnamon for extra flavour, which also helps with blood sugar regulation.
Apple turnovers. To enjoy all the health benefits of the apple, without all the sugar and pastry or a turnover, bake an apple and enjoy it warm out of the oven. The sweetness can be complemented with cinnamon, adding flavour and no caloric guilt.
Cheesecake. Mix some fat-free cottage cheese and fat-free vanilla yogurt with your favourite fruit (blueberries and raspberries work well). Tastes just like the real thing.
Chocolate. Opt for dark chocolate rather than milk, as a higher cocoa content provides a source of many vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidant benefits.
Milkshake. Add a ripe banana and other favourite fruits to the blender, along with fat-free yogurt and a scoop of protein powder. You’ll enjoy the benefits of this high-protein and fibre dessert, without the empty calories that come along with ice-cream based milkshakes.
Sweetened drinks. Infuse tap water with fresh fruit slices like lemon, apple, orange or watermelon. Add in some mint sprigs for an even more refreshing beverage.
Popsicles. Scoop a low- or non-fat Greek yogurt flavour of your choosing into a popsicle mold for a refreshing, and high-protein treat when cravings hit.
Chips. If you’re craving something salty as a treat, swap regular chips for low-fat microwave or air popped popcorn. Not only will you save on fat and calories, but popcorn can help you feel fuller as it’s a good source of fibre.
