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That's right--you can have your cake and eat it, too!
As we all know, depriving yourself of the good-tasting foods in life is never going to work in the long run. If you want a long-term solution, the trick is portion control.
"As long as you don't overdo it on dessert, this could reduce your overall calorie intake and ultimately result in weight loss," says Vicki Shanta Retelny, Chicago-based registered dietitian nutritionist.
Set aside no more than 200 calories per day for dessert, and choose a treat that also doubles as a weight loss weapon--like any of the ones below.
Check out our favorite healthy desserts below:
1. "Pure" Organic Dark Chocolate Brownie Bar.
This is the perfect dessert if you're craving brownies, because instead of fatty butter and refined sugar, this bar uses cashew butter and is naturally sweetened with dates. Thanks to the almonds and walnuts, you can get up to 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per bar--all for just 180 decadent calories.
2. Chocolate covered popcorn (or chocolate covered fruit!).
Every girls goes through at least one irresistible chocolate craving a few times a year (maybe 12?). Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar (or 6) try melting a few dark chocolate chips and drizzling it over fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or air-popped popcorn! You'll get your fix while also getting some serious nutrients, or saving yourself some calories!
3. Greek Yogurt With Pistachios, Honey, and Dark Chocolate Chunks.
This is the perfect alternative when you are dying for an ice cream sundae.
4. Arctic Zero Frozen Dessert.
This amazing ice-cream alternative is dairy-free, fat-free, and only 150 calories per pint. That's right--if you know you won't be able to stop at half a cup of the real-deal, this is the perfect alternative for you because you can gorge without a ton of guilt.
5. Homemade Chia Pudding.
Craving pudding? Try making your own chia pudding. Not only are chia seed packed with fiber, they're one of the best superfoods around! Not to mention, it's always great to rely on making your desserts because you'll have to really want it to get up and go through the effort of making it.
6. Cake pops at Starbucks.
If all those alternative desserts just won't cut it and you need to real-deal with some forced portion control, look no further than the cake pop. Instead of opting for a cupcake (up to 400 calories!) when you're craving cake (up to 800 calories!), a cake pop is a mere 150 calories will all the goodness cake can offer.
What do you think of these desserts? Let us know what you think or what you eat for dessert in the comments!
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