8 desserts to help you lose weight

Quick and healthy diet-friendly desserts

When you’re trying to cut calories, it seems like dessert is always the first thing to go. While it may be a bad idea to cozy up to a bag of cookies after a hard day at the office, enjoying a sweet, healthy treat now and then is no crime. In fact, the occasional indulgence may even help you achieve your diet and weight-loss goals more efficiently than swearing off sweets all together.

Here are eight delicious guilt-free dessert recipes to add to your cookbook. Enjoy!

Lemon Mousse with Strawberries

Sampling this lemon mousse with vitamin-packed strawberries is like spooning up sunshine; the jewel-like layers of berries are an unexpected delight. We’ve lightened up the mousse by substituting gelatin and fat-free yogurt for the usual quantities of eggs and cream.

Get the recipe: Lemon Mousse with Strawberries

Toasted Almond Meringue Cloud

These almond meringues taste decadent, but are actually low in fat and calories. Serve them at your next dinner party for an “I can’t believe this is healthy!” dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.

Get the recipe: Toasted Almond Meringue Cloud

Fruit Sorbets

Craving ice cream? Before you chow down on the Häagen Dazs, consider a healthier, homemade swap. Refreshing, fat-free sorbets are a delicious substitute for ice cream and making it yourself allows you to control the amount of sugar in your dessert. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also make granita, which is icier, but still just as tasty!

Get the recipe: Fruit Sorbets

Baked Almond-Stuffed Peaches

Turn your peaches into a fabulous warm dessert by stuffing them with dried apricots, toasted almonds and crushed amaretti cookie crumbs, then baking them in the oven until they are brown and bubbly. It may sound decadent, but each serving is actually fewer than 200 calories. The fruit can be served with light sour cream for an added kick.

Get the recipe: Baked Almond-Stuffed Peaches

Whole-wheat Grapefruit Bran Biscotti

This heart-healthy recipe makes for a fresh-tasting dessert option. Tangy grapefruit is loaded with immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants, while the high fibre content will help support weight loss. And at 57 calories for two biscotti, this is one dessert that practically begs for a second helping.

Get the recipe: Whole-wheat Grapefruit Bran Biscotti

Light Raspberry-Ricotta Fool

A fool is usually made with fruit and whipping cream. We’ve lightened the original by using ricotta cheese, and added a burst of citrus flavour, while maintaining this dessert’s made-in-10-minutes appeal.

Get the recipe: Light Raspberry-Ricotta Fool

Almond Butter Cookies

Love the taste of peanut butter cookies? Try this healthy twist on an old favourite, featuring heart-healthy almond butter. Whole almonds add a satisfying crunch to these yummy, nutrient-packed cookies.

Get the recipe: Almond Butter Cookies

Peach Crostini

Juicy peaches and berries with a hint of maple syrup and fresh mint rest on a canapé of cream cheese, making a lovely light dessert. Opt for low-fat cream cheese and you can enjoy two of these tasty crostinis for only 80 calories.

Get the recipe: Peach Crostini

More delicious dessert ideas

From brownies and tiny tea cakes to tortes and delicate pastries, you’ll satisfy the sweet cravings of your family and friends every time with wonderful homemade treats from Desserts. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll whip up yummy time-tested classics from cheesecakes, crisps, and strudels to more exotic delights such as mousses, madeleines, and sorbets. Plus, it’s loaded with helpful tips and baking techniques.

Available now in the Best Health Store.

Related:
• 10 dinners that will help you lose weight
• 10 lunches that will help you lose weight
• 6 ways to lighten up your baking