Many of us have a sweet tooth, or at the very least have our favorite dessert options. These range from pastries, tarts, puddings, cakes, chocolate, and even ice cream sundaes! Worse still, not only do they make for a great after-dinner indulgence, but many people also have dessert items as snacks.
While there is nothing wrong with enjoying the food you love, it is important to note that they are not necessarily the healthiest option. Many desserts are extremely high in sugar and empty calories. This means that excess consumption can lead to concerning health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, or even heart disease. It is therefore important to have healthy substitutes for those days that you need to satiate your cravings for sweets but in a healthy manner.
Here at Conservatory At Alden Bridge, our professional culinary team in our Sensations Dining program has compiled a list of healthy desserts to try out so that you can continue to enjoy your meals without compromising on your health.
Smoothies
Smoothies are an amazing option for anyone trying to explore healthy dessert options. They can either be consumed as a drink or made with lesser liquids to make a smoothie bowl. They can be made with your preferred fruits like bananas, berries, and even avocadoes. Nut butter, chocolate, and vanilla protein can also be incorporated for added health benefits and a more conventional dessert taste. For those who struggle to get enough leafy greens in your diet, it is also possible to incorporate spinach or kale. When blended, the taste of the vegetables will not be distinguishable from the taste of the sweeter fruits and dessert flavors!
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is a food that many people associate with an unhealthy diet. However, dark chocolate has a lower percentage of sugar and saturated fat, making it quite a healthy dessert treat. Dark chocolate has been shown to be packed full of antioxidants that fight diseases. On top of that, research has shown that dark chocolate can actually bring health benefits by reducing a person’s risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
Frozen Fruit
Certain fruits like bananas, strawberries, and grapes taste a lot like ice cream or popsicles when frozen. They can be easily coated in yogurt or dark chocolate to invoke that sense of eating a regular popsicle. Fruits are a source of naturally occurring sugar so they are able to satiate your sweet tooth without excessive sugar.
Popcorn
Popcorn is actually a really healthy snack when made at home yourself. So long as you do not use high levels of salt and butter, this high-fiber snack has much fewer calories per serving than other popular snacks. To make it a dessert, simply cover it in a thin layer of melted caramel or chocolate. In fact, because it is a whole grain, it has a high level of satiety and has been linked to better digestive health and blood circulation.
Enjoy Fuss-Free Balanced Meals at Conservatory At Alden Bridge
Having reliable options for good nutrition is important to ensure a person’s overall wellbeing. This is especially so for older adults who may be grappling with chronic illnesses or age-related deterioration. If you or your loved ones are finding it hard to cook or prepare healthier and balanced meal options, one option is to consider a senior living community that has dining programs. With the support of a committed team, it is easier and stress-free to achieve a higher level of wellbeing.
