Come on…admit it…you like a little dessert. I think everyone does. Even with as much as I try to keep added sugars and sweeteners out of my diet, I do still like dessert. The trick is to satisfy that sweet tooth wisely!
I will also admit it’s easy to let this get out of control. If I have even one cookie, I’m done for and will just as likely eat 4 or 5 if not more. I’m certainly not advocating ice cream every night before bed or anything close to that. I am saying there are ways you can have a little sweetness in a smart way.
Have a little dessert…emphasis on “little”
Our dining experience at the Crystal Palace at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom finished with 5 taste-tempting “little” desserts. Of course, I had to have one of each to try, but even with 5 of them, that was only 5 bites! Maybe having only one wouldn’t fix that sweet tooth, but 2 or 3 probably would have.
If you’re making dessert at home, consider freezing whatever you make in tiny servings. Only defrost one or two tiny servings at a time. Making do with that will save you some heartache (and poundage) later.
If you’re eating out with friends, get one dessert to share. Everyone gets a little treat and no one overdoes it.
“God’s sugar” can satisfy the sweet tooth, too!
Smoothies –
If you love milkshakes like I do, maybe a smoothie is what will satisfy you. I love Dr. Josh Axe’s Green Smoothie (see him make it here) but I use 1 frozen banana, 2 small apples, and kale for a refreshing “dessert” (as that’s just what I typically have on hand).
My other favorite was in my Ninja Blender book as Autumn Balancer (see recipe here). It includes mashed sweet potato, or I’ve also used canned pumpkin purée just to be quicker. So delicious and lots of vitamins with both these options.
Berries and “cream” –
My husband’s favorite is frozen berries defrosted about halfway, then topped with coconut milk and unsweetened shredded coconut. Depending on the coconut milk, sometimes this even forms a bit of a “magic shell” over the berries. So tasty…and again, full of good nutrition (especially with blueberries!)
The ultimate in easy –
I can’t discount the easiest dessert of all – fruit! Everyone has their own favorite so always keep a variety on hand. If you’re not sure about that yellow one on the right, it’s a yellow (or sometimes called honey or lemon) mango…one of our very favorites! It’s a little more sour than the red ones but fantastic!
Dessert before dinner?
If, like me, you find that little sweet making you hungry for more, consider what I do on occasion…eat dessert first! I figure if it makes me hungrier, I’ll start with it (just a small amount like noted above), then use that hunger on my meat and veggies. No, this wouldn’t work with a child, but I know to leave room for the good stuff!
Use some wisdom with that sweet tooth
Know your own limitations, and if you’re diabetic, certainly follow doctors’ orders in this area. But I believe natural sugars (“God’s sugar”) are always better than processed or artificial sweeteners. Give the natural “sweets” a try, and I bet you’ll find they are all you need.
Looking for a special frozen treat? Try these!
