Desserts are sometimes thought of as decadent indulgences that impede attempts to lose weight, but this need not be the case. You can support your weight loss objectives and sate your sweet need with nutritious desserts that are produced with real ingredients. These sweets can supply vital nutrients and maintain a sensation of fullness and satisfaction by combining fruits high in fiber, natural sugars, and healthy fats.
We discussed a list of dessert options that won’t add extra inches to your waistline with a number of health experts.
They mentioned that goji berries, avocado and cocoa mousse, coconut chia popsicles, and many more are some of the greatest options. Learn about all seven and their many health benefits by reading on!
1. Coconut Chia Popsicles
Now that the warmer months are here, you’ll want to save this idea in your pocket because it’s the ideal time of year for some popsicles. The tasty, refreshing, and incredibly healthy coconut chia seed popsicles are highly recommended by dietitian Catherine Gervacio.
“Coconut is a flavorful and creamy ingredient for a popsicle and it will certainly go well with chia seeds,” she states. She makes the point that chia seeds are a great source of fibre and the coconut is high in essential fats. “This fat-fiber combination lowers the impact of blood sugar as it takes a longer time to digest.”
In addition, she offers some further guidance if you’d want to increase the sweetness: “This dessert is already flavorful, but adding non-caloric sweetener for this won’t hurt.” Just be careful to avoid refined sugar—it’s no secret that eating too much of it can cause weight gain among other health problems.
2. Avocado and Cocoa Mousse
Monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that can lower levels of harmful cholesterol, are abundant in avocados. Additionally, these fats aid in satiety, making you feel content and full, which helps stop overeating.
This delicacy has a chocolate flavour without having any extra sugar, which is why I like it “says Gervacio. “The recipe only needs 2 ripe avocados, ¼ cup cocoa, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.” This tastes fantastic and has potential health advantages as well. “Cocoa contains flavonoids, a compound currently studied for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity,” Gervacio explains. She continues, “As low-GI foods, avocados don’t cause blood sugar to increase.
3. Berries with Sugar-Free Yogurt
Yoghurt without added sugar, particularly Greek yoghurt, is high in protein. Maintaining muscle mass is crucial, particularly when losing weight, and protein also helps you feel full, which can help you consume less calories overall.
“This is a classic dessert for people on weight loss or are managing blood glucose issues,” Gervacio writes.
Berries’ high fibre content and antioxidant qualities provide a plethora of health benefits. “Berries are also low GI foods and they are rich in fibre,” says Gervacio.
Another delicious item that’s always a wonderful choice for your health is yoghurt. Probiotics and protein help control blood sugar levels, and sugar-free yoghurt is high in both of these nutrients. Probiotics aid in the fermentation of dietary fibres to aid in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, whereas protein takes longer to digest.”
4. Protein-Packed Smoothie Bowl
This nutritious bowl usually combines a number of ingredients, such as nut butter, Greek yoghurt, protein powder, and other forms of protein, along with a selection of vibrant fruits and healthy toppings like granola and seeds. The smoothie base’s high protein content contributes a creamy mouthfeel and encourages satiety, which helps regulate appetite and cut calories overall.
The smoothie bowl’s high nutrient content combined with protein’s ability to speed up metabolism makes it an invaluable supplement to any weight-loss plan.
Smoothie bowls can be a filling snack or way to wrap up a dinner. Fruits offer nutrients and fibre, which promote healthy digestion and help you lose weight, while protein keeps you feeling full. Blend frozen fruits with a protein-rich food, such as Greek yoghurt or a scoop of protein powder. As stated by registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. Sharmela Devi G., “Serve in a bowl and garnish with sliced fruit, nuts, or seeds.”
5. Avocado Brownies
Here’s another dessert made with avocados! Avocado brownies, according to nutritionist Mary Sabat, are a fantastic supply of good fats, “which are a great source of energy.”
“They also contain less sugar than traditional brownies and are a great source of fibre,” the author notes. Fibre is important to include in your diet for several reasons, but losing weight is one of the main ones.
Stevia can be used in place of sugar to keep these brownies as healthful as possible; according to Sabat, this “will make these an even better choice for a guilt-free dessert.”
6. Goji Berries
Frequently heralded as a superfood, goji berries can help with weight loss and desire control. These tiny red berries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
“These nutrient-dense berries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for satisfying sweet cravings without derail[ing] weight loss efforts,” explains Joanna Wen, creator of Spices & Greens and certified weight loss coach. Because goji berries are high in fibre and low in calories, they may help you feel fuller and avoid overindulging.”
She adds that “they’ve been found to help regulate your blood sugar level, which can prevent the blood sugar spikes that lead to fat storage.”