When you hear people talking about healthy desserts you may wonder if there really is such a thing? Can desserts and healthy even be used in the same sentence? If you choose the right kinds of desserts the ones that are high in antioxidants and fiber then they can be healthy. Desserts that you can indulge in without having to feel guilty include ones that contain fruit and nuts.
As long as you do not choose a dessert that is loaded with sugar, artificial flavors or fat then having a small dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or an occasional craving should not be a problem for your weight or your overall health.
Healthy desserts that contain berries such as blueberries, blackberries or strawberries are rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. In case you are not aware of this, antioxidants have the ability to break down the bad things in your body that threaten to cause damage, such as free radicals. Berries mixed into some low fat yogurt (Greek yogurt is full of protein) with a little wheat germ or flax seed powder can offer a simple but healthy treat following your lunch or supper.
Adding nuts to your healthy dessert will provide you with healthy proteins as well as the good fat that your body needs. But make sure that you do not consume nuts in your after dinner treats in large quantities. Nuts are tasty and good for you but they are also on the fattening side and can enlarge your waistline if you are not paying attention!
Healthy desserts also need to have the right amount of flavor or else you are likely to not enjoy them at all. Add a little bit of honey to your dessert, or a grated peel of either lemon or lime to enhance the flavor even more.
Fresh herbs can also give you that added bit of zing that your taste buds are looking for! Mint works well in healthy dessert recipes, as does basil, lemon balm and thyme. You may also wish to try a little chopped or grated ginger. Not only can ginger be an excellent taste enhancer but it is also good for the digestive system, contains a number of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. If your stomach is not feeling so well then a dash of ginger can help you to feel better right away.
There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a dessert as long as you pick one that is suitable for you. As a guideline to keep in mind avoid desserts that are high in sugar and remember to eat them in moderation. You should not make them a daily occurrence but save them for weekends or special occasions. It is possible to enjoy the foods you consume while at the same time keeping your nutritional needs in mind. Try to make your desserts with natural or organic ingredients whenever you can.
