Eat Fruit for Dessert

Are you a dessert lover? Giving up dessert may be difficult for you if you are trying to lose weight.

One way to satisfy your sweet tooth yet do something good for you too is to have fruit for dessert. Fruit offers a number of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to promote health and scare away disease. No need to feel guilty eating dessert if you’re having fruit!

Although fruits contain sugar, they also have fiber which keeps the sugar from being absorbed quickly. Fruits contain fructose which does not raise blood sugar and insulin levels. (However, too much fructose may increase triglycerides, or blood fats, and raise cholesterol levels.)

Berries should be a top choice for those who want to lose weight. They are very low in calories yet provide a powerful boost in antioxidants. Some of these may help preserve your memory as you get older, improve balance, and prevent heart disease. Cranberries and blueberries may help prevent infections of the bladder and urinary tract.

Fruits are also a great source of fiber. Fruit fiber helps lower cholesterol as well as improve regularity and prevent constipation.

Fruit fiber can be filling and lower your appetite.

Fruity Dessert Ideas

Of course, you can just grab an apple or your favorite fresh fruit from the refrigerator. Or you can dress it up for a more dessert-like treat. Here are some suggestions:

  • Cut up berries with a dusting of cocoa powder, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Add a dollop of fat-free yogurt or ricotta cheese, sweetened to taste. Almond extract to the yogurt adds a nice touch.
  • Sliced peaches, kiwi, and tropical fruits mix well with a few chopped nuts and sprinkled coconut.
  • Poached fruits are delicious and satisfying. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, and figs work well for poaching. Cook sliced fruit in water or wine (you can add a little sugar or Splenda to taste if you prefer) for 10-15 minutes until soft. Add ricotta cheese or yogurt mixed with cinnamon and almond extract. Sprinkle with a few gingersnap crumbs or nuts for crunch.
  • Dip strawberries into fat-free sugar-free chocolate syrup for a delicious treat.
  • Make a fruit cobbler, using as little sugar as possible. Top with a mixture of rolled oats, cinnamon, and nuts sweetened with a little apple juice concentrate. Bake in a medium oven until fruits are soft.