Who doesn't love a delicious dessert, right? We all crave something sweet now and then, but the high sugar and lipids content can often leave us feeling guilty. But guess what?
You can still enjoy sweet treats without packing on the pounds! In fact, there are plenty of low-calorie, healthy desserts that are just as tasty and way better for you.
So, let's dive into some delightful, guilt-free desserts we can enjoy anytime, without worrying about extra calories.
Choosing Natural Ingredients
When it comes to making low-calorie desserts, we need to start with the right ingredients. The best options are those that are naturally sweet but low in calories, such as yam, pumpkin, purple sweet potato, and fruits like apples, pears, and kiwis. These foods not only provide natural sweetness, but they are also packed with fiber, which helps prevent lipids absorption, lowers cholesterol, and supports healthy digestion. By focusing on these natural, low-calorie ingredients, we can make desserts that are both delicious and healthy.
Simple Methods for Healthier Sweets
One of the best things about these low-calorie desserts is that they're simple to make, and you don't even need an oven! These recipes help preserve the nutrients and moisture of the ingredients, so you can enjoy all their benefits without adding extra calories. Whether you're in the mood for something warm or cold, there's a healthy dessert for every occasion. Let's check out a few easy-to-make treats that are as satisfying as they are healthy.
Honey-Glazed Pumpkin
This warm, comforting dessert is a perfect example of a simple, low-calorie treat. Here's what you need:
Ingredients:
• 300g pumpkin
• 3 pieces of white fungus
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 4-5 pieces of rock sugar
• A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Soak the white fungus ahead of time, rinse, and remove the roots.
2. Place the soaked white fungus in a pressure cooker with a little water. Once it reaches pressure, cook for about 30 minutes. If you don't have a pressure cooker, a regular pot or clay pot will work, but it will take 1-2 hours.
3. Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into even, rectangular pieces.
4. Place the pumpkin pieces on a plate, sprinkle with white sugar and honey, and add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
5. Steam the pumpkin for 8-10 minutes. Once done, serve with the white fungus on the side.
This dish is not only delicious but also great for digestion—an excellent treat without the guilt!
Osmanthus Purple Sweet Potato Milk Pudding
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Osmanthus Purple Sweet Potato Milk Pudding
If you're a fan of creamy, smooth desserts, this one's for you. It's rich and satisfying, yet light on calories.
Ingredients:
• 2 purple sweet potatoes
• 250ml pure milk
• A small amount of osmanthus flowers
Instructions:
1. Wash and peel the purple sweet potatoes, then cut them into slices.
2. Steam the slices in the microwave for about five minutes, or use a steamer for around 15 minutes.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are soft, mash them with a fork or blend them in a food processor.
4. Mix the mashed sweet potato with the milk and blend until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into cups, sprinkle with osmanthus flowers, and enjoy!
The natural sweetness of the purple sweet potato combined with the floral notes of osmanthus makes this pudding a perfect treat that won't spike your calorie intake.
Blueberry Yam Delight
This refreshing and slightly tangy dessert is sure to become one of your favorites. It's easy to prepare and a great way to cool off during warmer days.
Ingredients:
• 1 yam (iron stick yam works best)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• A pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons blueberry jam
Instructions:
1. Steam the yam until soft, then peel and mash it.
2. Add a little milk and salt to the mashed yam to make it smooth.
3. Place the mixture in molds or simply shape it with your hands into little balls.
4. Chill the yam in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
5. Top with blueberry jam and enjoy!
This dessert has the creamy texture of ice cream but is much lower in calories—perfect for those who want to indulge without overindulging.
Fruit Salad with Yogurt
If you're looking for a refreshing, light treat, this fruit salad is the way to go. It's packed with fresh, seasonal fruits and topped with a creamy yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
• 1 orange
• 1 apple
• 1/4 pear
• 2 kiwis
• 4 strawberries
• A handful of lettuce (optional)
• Yogurt (plain or low-fat)
Instructions:
1. Wash all the fruits thoroughly. Peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. If you're using lettuce, wash it and place it at the bottom of your serving dish.
3. Arrange the chopped fruits on top of the lettuce, then pour over the yogurt.
4. Mix it all together and serve.
This vibrant and colorful salad is refreshing and full of vitamins. You can also use fat-free yogurt if you want to cut down even more on the calories.
Sweet Potato Heart Treats
For something a little extra special, try making these heart-shaped sweet potato treats. They're a lovely option for a light dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
• Half a yam
• 1-2 purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Peel and cut the yam and sweet potatoes into small pieces, then steam until soft.
2. Mash them separately and mix the purple sweet potatoes with yogurt to make a smooth, creamy filling.
3. Mix the yam with milk to create a smooth, slightly milky texture.
4. Use heart-shaped molds to form the mashed sweet potatoes into little hearts.
5. Chill for a bit, and serve!
These heart-shaped treats are fun to make and delicious to eat. They're perfect for a healthy, cute snack.
Conclusion
As we can see, low-calorie desserts are just as delicious as their higher-calorie counterparts, if not more so. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, we can create treats that satisfy our sweet tooth without the guilt. So next time you're craving something sweet, try one of these low-calorie options. Your taste buds—and your waistline—will thank you!
Feel free to share your favorite healthy dessert ideas with us, Lykkers! Which one of these will you be trying first?
