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Healthy Dessert Ideas

March 14th, 2000

As seen on BCTV March 14/00
HEALTHY DESSERT IDEAS

Every March, Dietitians of Canada celebrate National Nutrition Month as a time to remind Canadians of the vital role nutrition plays in staying well. The theme this year is Great Food Fast.

Look for the new cookbook, Great Food Fast which includes all kinds of practical tips for saving time and fitting good eating into a hectic lifestyle. The book includes a selection of great tasting, good for you desserts.

“Healthy desserts” may sound a little like a contradiction in terms. Especially from the nutritionist who recommends the “Pleasure Maximization Principle” with most indulgences. That is, go big or go home. Make it really worthwhile. However, I also recognize that many people eat dessert after every dinner meal, 365 days of the year. In this case, a well chosen dessert can make a significant nutritional contribution to your day.

Many people were raised on dessert after a meal and simply don’t feel satisfied unless they complete the meal with something sweet. Here are some examples from Dietitians of Canada.

Try fresh fruit. It sounds a little boring, but how about different combinations like cantaloupe and honeydew balls with purple grapes or sliced pears with fresh strawberries added, or a fruit salad of bananas, kiwi and blueberries. Canned and frozen fruit can add variety in the winter months.
Milk puddings, yogurt and rice puddings are calcium-rich choices.
Fruit ices, sorbet, sherbet, frozen yogurt, frozen dessert tofu and ice milk are all lower fat options to regular ice cream.
Top chopped fruit with vanilla yogurt, a bit of ice cream, pudding or custard.
Prepare a plate of strawberries, melon wedges, apple slices and bananas. Serve with a fruit-flavored yogurt dip or even chocolate as a dip.
Use your blender to make quick and easy shakes with fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt, milk and/or fruit juice.
Slice bananas and drizzle with a little syrup and milk.
Make fancy applesauce by adding sugar and cinnamon.

Bake an apple with a core of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon. Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!