The holidays can be a real challenge when you’re trying to lose those few extra pounds. Dessert is probably the hardest part to resist, but not this year! This year you can eat in satisfaction and not guilt, if you try one of these healthy dessert ideas!
- Here is a recipe I found on EatingWell.com that is a variation of delicious apple pie! This a recipe for Apple Squares. In this recipe, there are two efforts made to make this a healthy dessert. The first is that the trans-fat laden shortening is replaced with canola oil and butter. Harmful trans-fats can be found in shortening and bad trans-fats can clog arteries. Switching the shortening out with canola oil and butter is a good precaution. The second is the use of whole-wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour. They make that addition to give the treat some fiber. Check out the full recipe here: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/moms_apple_squares.html
- If you are a cookie lover, this Deep Dark Chocolate Biscotti Cookies recipe is for you! They not only look delicious, but they are also loaded with some healthy features. These not-so-average biscotti are made with whole-wheat flour, flaxseed, and some unsalted almonds. The whole-wheat flour, again, is a nice fiber kick. The flaxseed is great because there is evidence that it helps prevent heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes. Can’t get much better than that! The almonds are also a great addition, especially for weight loss. A small portion of almonds helps in making you feel full, which keeps you from over-eating. All three of these ingredients make for a healthy dessert that is still plenty tasty! Check out the full recipe here: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/deep-dark-chocolate-biscotti-10000001880026/
- Thanksgiving is not complete without pie and something pumpkin flavored! Here is a combination of both that makes a yummy dessert—a Pumpkin-Maple Pie! The maple syrup provides that sweet flavor. This is a smart addition because maple syrup is low in calories and high in minerals! Fat free milk is also used in this recipe for those weight-watchers out there. Finally, this dessert is lower in calories and fat than a regular slice of pumpkin pie! This dessert is definitely worth trying. Get the full recipe here: http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-recipes-pictures/9-healthy-thanksgiving-desserts.aspx#/slide-6
Those are just a few healthy Thanksgiving desserts that I was able to find. If these treats are not something you think you would like to eat, Pinterest has a ton of recipes you can look into! Don’t let the holidays stop you from living that healthy life. Use these recipes and you can still break out the fork and knife!
Sources:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/moms_apple_squares.html
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/trans-fats-in-plain-view
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/deep-dark-chocolate-biscotti-10000001880026/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-almonds-daily-5007.html
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-recipes-pictures/9-healthy-thanksgiving-desserts.aspx#/slide-6
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=115
http://www.dvo.com/recipe_pages/holidaybaking/Vida_Lee-s_Maple_Pumpkin_Pie.html#.Uoozn83Ni8w