Updated October 25, 2013.
Dessert is an excellent way to end a delicious meal, but if you are watching your cholesterol, the concept of adding dessert may seem a little forbidden at first. However, the good news is that you can have your cake and eat it, too – especially if you follow these best practices for selecting cholesterol-friendly desserts:
Make it yourself.
Not only does making your own desserts give your treat a personal touch, you also know the exact ingredients you are putting into your sweet treat.
You have many options in making a dessert that is delectable – and heart-healthy. Whether it is replacing baking flour with wheat flour, or switching out your high fat oil with a healthier oil – try some of these healthy tips that will ensure a delicious dessert that is low in fat – and high in taste.
Watch your fat content.
Whether you opt to make your own dessert, or buy one from the store, you should always check your food labels. You should avoid ingredients or desserts that have a high saturated fat content, high sugar content, and trans fats. The more common culprits of parts of a dessert that contain high fat are cakes, pie crusts, and pastries. Additionally, some whipped creams and puddings may also have a high fat content – but, luckily, there are many low-fat varieties available for those of us watching our fat intake. Just because it is low in fat, doesn’t mean that it can’t make a terrific dessert.
If you’re looking for some ideas for a low-fat dessert, try some of these suggestions:
Try yogurt.
You would be surprised how a simple dessert can satisfy your sweet tooth without putting a huge boost in your cholesterol levels. One dessert that comes to mind is yogurt. This creamy dessert isn’t just used for a quick breakfast – it can be consumed by itself or applied as a topping to your favorite fruit or low-fat cake.
Are you craving ice cream, but don’t want the added fat to your diet? Try frozen yogurt, which tastes like ice cream, but does not contain as much fat. If you decide to use yogurt as a dessert, make sure you check the food label on its packaging before using, since some yogurts may be high in sugar.
Add fruit.
Fruit is an excellent way to add a little bit of sweetness to the end of your heart-healthy lunch or dinner. The great thing about fruit is that you can eat it alone, add it as a topping to your favorite yogurt or low-fat pudding, or incorporate it into a cake or pie. If you’re looking for some healthy ways to use fruit as a dessert, try some of these scrumptious recipes:
All fruits are healthy, so you can combine your favorite fruits that are in season to create a delicious treat. If you are incorporating your fruits into a pastry or crust, be careful of the type that you use, as some of these can be an added source of fat. Additionally, if you decide to by canned fruit, read your food labels – as these can add sugar – and calories – to your diet.
If you’re craving a frozen treat, you can use a blender to grind your favorite fruits, add a small amount of honey (if needed), and place it in the freezer to make a delicious sorbet.
Don’t forget your toppings.
Sometimes, toppings can make or break a dessert. Besides fruit and low-fat yogurt, other cholesterol-friendly toppings, such as a handful of walnuts, honey, or a few shavings of dark chocolate can also be a cholesterol-friendly way to add taste and texture to your dessert. If you insist on whipped cream as a topping, be sure to select a low-fat or non-fat variety of cream.
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