Goodbye sweet days of chocolate cake, sayonara my beautiful banana split, farewell my flavorful flan, and hasta la vista my scrumptious apple pie. I know we've shared some savory mouth-watering memories together but there's just no room for you in my new balanced healthy diet. It's time for me to buckle down and ignore my sweet tooth from sending me back your way.
Did you know that the word "desserts" spelled backwards spells "stressed"? For many of you out there that's exactly what it brings. Trying to stop yourself from your favorite temptations can trigger a terrible amount of tension. It's no wonder that something as delicious as treats can turn into a dieter's worst nightmare.
Put away your handkerchief because it's time to kiss and eat up!
You don’t have to reach for the sky to get to your pie. It is possible to dig into delicious desserts without damaging your diet. You shouldn’t feel restricted from eating foods you enjoy. Depriving yourself will most likely just lead you on the road to dieting disaster when willpower runs out. Instead of giving up your favorite treats, think about what goes in them and use some imagination.
The most common diet destroyers in desserts are dairy and fats. Other nutritional factors to consider may include how much sugar, cholesterol and sodium the product contains. It's important to always check the nutritional facts on the sides of packages. Don't let the phrases "low fat" and "low carb" fool you. It's always good to compare items and read the labels carefully. Make sure you know what you are buying. Simple substitutions can make a world of difference.
An average ice-cream bar can contain 180 calories and 12 grams of fat -- not exactly a dieter’s friend. And some of the best-known brands are significantly higher than that. A Dove Bar has 350 calories and 22 grams of fat, while the new Breyer’s Magnum Bars pack 14 grams of saturated fat (20 grams total fat) each!
What’s the alternative, you ask? How about a rich, smooth pudding pop? The store-bought versions average 100 calories and 2 to 3 grams of fat, but you can cut the fat even further and add a little nutrition by making your own.
"You can modify any recipe, especially desserts, to make it healthy," eDiets Chief Nutritionist Susan Burke said. "The recipe section on our site can give you great ideas. It can be as simple as using egg whites instead of a whole egg or reducing the amount of sugar in a recipe. If the recipe calls for a cup of sugar, use only one-third cup instead. There are even fat-free chocolate chips so you can replace the full-fat ones.
"However, some desserts are easier to modify then others. For example, it’s hard to modify angel food cake because of its high sugar content. But there are sugar substitutes, such as Splenda, that are great for baking. The key to staying healthy is making healthy choices wherever you go. The best thing to do is EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT!"
There is nothing wrong with digging into your favorite delights, but even diet-friendly desserts can become hazardous to your waistline. Moderation is the key to enjoying treats every now and then. Remember to always check the serving size. What you eat is important, but understanding how much you’re eating is crucial.
Creativity is also essential. Try new recipes and satisfy your sweet tooth using sensible substitutions. After all, as Forest Gump once said, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get."
Here are five deliciously divine desserts that are low in guilt and high on flavor. Go ahead... indulge!
