You CAN Have Dessert!

Dessert has long been the enemy of those looking to lose weight. It has been portrayed as the demon of healthy living. I'm here to to tell you, you shouldn't been afraid of dessert! While eating large pieces of chocolate cake with buttercream frosting every night might not be the best thing, there are a good choices you can make to not only enjoy a yummy dessert but also get in some extra nutrients (that IS why we eat isn't it?)
How to Eat Dessert

1. Frequency: This is one of the most obvious ways to take control of any bad eating habit, just do it less! Most will say easier said than done. This is why we hear things like, "indulge in moderation." It is important, however, to clearly define moderation. If there is no clear definition then you could be able to talk yourself into eating that extra cookie or additional scoop of ice cream more often than not. By saying to yourself, "I will only eat dessert 3 nights a week," it clearly defines your parameters and allows you less wiggle room than simply saying, "All things in moderation!" each time you see a cookie.

1. Serving Size: This concept is one that has been praised by many including the French (made most popular by the book, French Women Don't Get Fat). The idea is that you can have whatever you want to eat, just don't eat a full portion. If everyone is having apple pie and ice cream, then go ahead and have some just make your slice tiny and have just one small scoop of ice cream. This is especially beneficial to those who tend to eat dessert at every meal. 

1. Make Better Choices: We eat in order to fuel our bodies with the needed nutrients (calories, vitamins and minerals) so that it can perform it's proper functions. Dessert can also work to add much needed nutrients. Choosing fruit based options such as a banana split or real fruit ice cream will add some vitamins and minerals to your dessert so that you can get a better nutritional bang for you buck!

1. Avoid additives: Although there are many fruit flavored options for desserts it is also important to choose REAL fruit and not simply fruit flavors. Also avoid desserts with added sugars. Naturally occurring fruit sugars are a good "moderate" amount of sugar, but when we buy processed products that add additional sugar it simply supplies our bodies with empty calories. 

Here are a few ideas for Healthier desserts:

• Banana split with all natural (preferably homemade) ice cream and just a tablespoon of hot fudge. Try walnuts in stead of peanuts on top for added healthy fats. 
• Grilled fruit drizzled with honey. This works especially well with peaches and pineapple. Add a spring of mint to make it pretty!
• Angel Food Cake has minimal calories and gives you that cake fix. Top it with a fruit compote, such as macerated strawberries (cut strawberries that have been sitting in wine and sugar) or blackberries warmed in a saucepan with a bit of sugar. 

Do you have any ideas for healthy desserts? Leave them in the comments below!