Guest post – Healthy desserts!

Hi everyone! I have my first ever guest post! I would like to thank Kitty for writing this post about some healthy recipe ideas!

Healthy Desserts by Kitty Holman

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about diets is that you have to starve yourself, and that you have to avoid anything that tastes good. But that’s not true! It’s possible to make and enjoy healthy desserts that won’t ruin your diet lifestyle but that still offer the same great tastes you’ve come to love. Here are just a few:

Baby tiramisu
This is an easy, low-calorie alternative to the Italian dessert, appropriate for diabetics, and low in cholesterol, carbs, sodium, and saturated fat. You’ll need:
1/2 cup nonfat ricotta cheese (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 ladyfingers (about 1 3/4 ounces)
4 tablespoons brewed espresso, or strong coffee, divided
2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips, melted

Combine the ricotta, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Arrange six of the ladyfingers in a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and lightly drizzle with 2 tbsps espresso. Spread the ricotta mix over the ladyfingers, and then place the other layer of ladyfingers over the ricotta and drizzle with the remaining espresso. Then it’s time to drizzle the melted chocolate. Refrigerate the dish until the chocolate sets (about half an hour).

Broiled mango
This is another quick, easy dessert that’s simple to make and fun to eat. All you’ll need is one mango, peeled and sliced, and some lime wedges. Lay the mango slices on a broiler pan that’s been lined with foil. Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the rack in upper third of the oven. Broil the slices for 8-10 minutes, until they’re browned in spots. That’s it! Squeeze the lime wedges over them and serve. The tasty, sweet dessert is low in calories, carbs, cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat, and it’s a heart-healthy treat, as well.

Pineapple-raspberry parfaits
These are ridiculously easy, and a great end to a smart meal! They’re also low in calories and cholesterol, and suitable for diabetics. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 8-ounce containers (2 cups total) of nonfat peach yogurt
1/2 pint of fresh raspberries
1 1/2 cups fresh, frozen or canned pineapple chunks

All you have to do is divide the yogurt into four glasses and layer it with the raspberries and pineapples. It’s a quick, delicious dessert that’s also a great source of vitamin C.

There are more healthy desserts I’ll be highlighting on this blog over time, but these should get you started. Happy eating!

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of Nursing Schools . She welcomes your comments at her email Id kitty.holman20@gmail.com.

Thanks for those great ideas Kitty! I have never made any of those desserts before, and I especially like the idea about broiled mango!