Desserts. One of life's most phenomenal gifts, a sweet treat at the end of a good meal. Yet, desserts are one of the most controversial subjects in the diet & health food world. Should we, or shouldn't we???? The debate (like other debates on what we should cut out of our diets) makes me sick. If you cut it out, you are just going to want it more, just like an ex-boyfriend. Depriving people of something they want has never worked in all of history. But how to eat dessert and not pay for it later in unwanted pounds or stomach aches?!?!?! HOW???? My always favorite (however annoying) answer is MODERATION. But to change to a different tune, because moderation does not always work for the average American bear, let us discuss desert options which will not send you into a sugar coma or to a weight loss specialist.
Making good dessert choices is your answer to this always puzzling issue. Yes there are good dessert choices.
My personal & first choice is a glass of red wine or a great craft beer. We have all heard the benefits of a glass of red wine: 1) antioxidants, specifically polyphenols which protect the lining of blood vessels 2) resveratrol...what??? Ingredient which prevents blood vessel damage, reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), & also prevents blood clots 3) There's is tons of animal research which has shown red wine can do anything from protect the stomach lining to diabetes prevention. Have a glass! Now craft beer has also been shown to have similar positive effects on the cardiovascular system. However, craft beer also contains fiber & B vitamins! 1 glass of either option is a good alternative!
Ice cream substitutes: FRO-YO!!! A huge american trend right now, and a great sweet treat! However if you load your cup up with candy & chocolate you pretty much kill the healthy part of the dessert. Try some honey & berries or other fruit to sweeten it without the empty calories. I'm in love with Greek fat free frozen yogurt! Another great ice cream substitute is soy ice cream. Less sugar, no dairy overload, & yet satisfying. One of my personal favorites are the soy ice cream bars from Trader Joes (90 calories & available in chocolate, my pic of them wouldn't upload boooooo)!
Dark Chocolate: 70% dark chocolate bars gives you a lot of the positive effects of red wine, specifically antioxidants! They also satisfy my ever present chocolate craving. To keep yourself in check with serving size try to buy bars which are pre-wrapped to control your portion size.
The last option is fat-free candies. My personal favorite is RedVines (oldie but a goodie). Yes, all candy is empty calories aka no nutritional value. But if you have a craving for something sweet you could sit down & have 5 of these RedVines & only consume 140 calories!
Take these bits of advice & try enjoying a not-so-guilty dessert this week! Until next time....
Take these bits of advice & try enjoying a not-so-guilty dessert this week! Until next time....
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