The desire for a sweet finish to a meal is a common one, but it doesn’t have to derail your nutritional goals. Experts suggest that with a few clever strategies, you can enjoy dessert without the guilt.
A key principle is portion control. While it’s tempting to indulge, keeping servings small is an effective way to manage sugar intake. Beyond that, the freezer can be your best ally. Frozen grapes, for instance, offer a refreshing, candy-like treat. For a more sophisticated twist, they can be dusted with chilli flakes or a pinch of sea salt.
For those who prefer something richer, there are numerous options that rely on natural ingredients. Consider creating frozen bites by combining peanut butter with a touch of maple syrup and oat milk, then dipping them in dark chocolate. Another popular choice is a chewy caramel made purely from dates and apple juice, with miso adding a surprising depth of flavour.
When a baked good is the only thing that will do, a simple cookie recipe can come to the rescue. A mixture of oats, nut flour, and shredded coconut, bound together with tahini and maple syrup, creates a wholesome base. These can be baked until golden and even paired with a quick “nice cream” made from blended frozen bananas, yoghurt, and a little cocoa powder.
For the simplest solution of all, a square of high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) alongside a cup of spiced tea can be remarkably satisfying. The complex flavours of the spices can trick your palate into perceiving more sweetness than is actually there.
