Everybody has at least a little bit of a sweet tooth. We all have our favorite desserts, and those are usually the first things that have to go when we try to eat healthier.
However, did you know that there are ways you can eat dessert without gaining weight? If you miss sweets, use these tips to give that sweet tooth what it wants:
1) Make it at home
When you buy desserts at the grocery store, you lose control over the ingredients. You can make desserts that taste good and use ingredients you probably have without feeling guilty.
Take control over your sweets! Save money! Have fun and be creative while you savor the fruits of your baking and cooking labors. If you aren’t exactly a chef, there are a million different recipes and tutorials online that can have you deserving of a Michelin star in no time.
2) Avoid pure sugar
When you think of dessert, you think of sweet treats. This usually means there’s excessive sugar. Excessive sugar is one of the main drivers of obesity, diabetes, and many other health issues today.
There are natural, alternative sweeteners that add a sweet taste without spiking your blood sugar as much as traditional sugar. Honey, apple sauce, and fruits are great ways to add natural taste and nutrients.
3) Use protein powder
There are a ton of great protein powder flavors in the world today. Everything from root beer floats to birthday cake are available.
A protein shake blended with ice and some milk is a great way to make a healthy milkshake alternative. If you add xanthan gum, a natural thickener, you can make protein ice cream.
Protein powders are also great for cooking and baking. They work great in oatmeal, brownies, and other things. Check online for great recipes that feature protein powder.
4) Go heavy on fruit
Fruit is a naturally sweet, delicious, and nutritious thing to eat. It works great to satiate that sweet tooth without packing on a ton of excess sugar and calories. It also has a ton of nutrients, such as fiber, that can help your digestive system after you eat.
Plain fruit is good on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can slice it up and put it in Greek yogurt, mix it into a shake, or bake it into something delicious. With some creativity, you can make it into an amazing dessert.
5) Use alternatives instead
Dessert can be made healthier by using simple replacements for your normal recipes. They are simple things you can alter to make your favorite ingredients without all of the extra guilt.
Here are some examples. Instead of butter, try coconut oil. Coconut oil is lower in sodium and contains healthy saturated fats. Instead of milk chocolate, use dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and contains less fat and sugar. Use whole wheat or almond flour instead of white. These flours contain more fiber and protein, respectively.
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