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Truffles -

Chocolate truffles can actually be heathier than you think. They are traditionally filled with ganache (which is made with chocolate and cream), but there is a way you can make these less calorie-dense.

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Truffles -

Instead of heavy cream, you can use ingredients such as dates or bananas to make the base. Then add flavor by mixing nuts or shredded coconut. Roll them into balls and dip them in chocolate, for a more traditional taste.

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Oatmeal cookies -

You can't beat the aroma of freshly-baked cookies, nor the taste! Sure, cookies are usually synonymous of sugar and fat, but oatmeal cookies are a little bit different.

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Oatmeal cookies -

Unlike most cookies, which are made with refined white flour, oatmeal cookies also contain oats (and sometimes wheat bran), which are whole grains and rich in fiber. This means a lower glycemic index. Plus, you'll feel fuller much quicker and are less likely to binge eat them.

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Frozen fruit pops -

While fruits contain sugar, they are also rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Not bad for a dessert, right?

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Frozen fruit pops -

If you're buying them, stick to those made with real fruit, fruit juice, and puree. Check if there are no added sugars and other ingredients, other than the ones mentioned. But, of course, you can always make your own!

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Ice-cream sandwiches -

Ice-cream sandwiches are a favorite, but we all know that ice cream and cookies are not the healthiest combo. So what can we do about it? Well, portion control is a way to manage it.

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Ice-cream sandwiches -

The other way is to use light ice cream and sugar-free cookies. This will cut a lot of fat and sugar, and consequently calories. And guess what? They're still delicious!

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Baked or grilled fruit desserts -

Grilling or baking fruit can turn it into a delicious dessert on its own. As the fruit's water content is reduced, the sugar caramelizes, and the texture softens.

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Baked or grilled fruit desserts -

These can be pretty healthy, as you're mostly just eating fruit. Of course, you can top it off with a touch of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or even a zero-calorie syrup. For a creamier version, add some yogurt.

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Dark chocolate bark -

Dark chocolate is not only delicious, but consuming it also comes with plenty of benefits, This type of chocolate is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavanols.

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Dark chocolate bark -

So it's all about the chocolate you use to make this dessert. Melt some dark chocolate chips with coconut oil, add your favorite nuts, and then freeze it until it's hard enough to eat.

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Chocolate-covered strawberries -

Chocolate-covered strawberries are among the most romantic of desserts. Strawberries are a pretty healthy fruit, packed with vitamin C, B9, and manganese.

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Chocolate-covered strawberries -

The trick here is not dipping the strawberries in chocolate. Instead, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate, and voila! You cut down calories and get to enjoy the decadent combo, which also happens to be quite nutritionally rich!

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Banana split -

Sure, if you order a banana split it will most likely come with a lot of unhealthy toppings, including whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Not to mention the high content of fat and sugar in the ice cream.

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Banana split -

But the good news is that you can enjoy the health benefits of eating a banana (e.g. lots of potassium) in a dessert. The trick is to make your own version. Caramelize the fruit in a non-sticky pan, and use light ice cream. As for toppings, drizzle it with yogurt, dark chocolate, and nut flakes and/or berries. 

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Apple crisp -

Apple pie is a favorite, but pie crusts (particularly the ready-made versions) are packed with fat and preservatives. Apple crisp and apple crumble can give you a similar, yet more calorie-friendly experience, taste-wise.

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Apple crisp -

Sugar and cinnamon are traditionally added, but you can use other ingredients, including oats, which will make it more filling and healthy.

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Chocolate mousse -

This classic dessert is also a caloric bomb. Made with ingredients such as chocolate, heavy cream, and sugar, it's easy to see how chocolate mousse might not be the heathiest choice... or is it?

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Chocolate mousse -

Well, there's a nice twist you can give to your regular mousse to make it more nutritionally-rich. Simply change the regular ingredients. Blend an avocado, dark cocoa powder, almond milk (or another vegetable drink), and a few drops of vanilla extract, and you have a nice, rich avocado chocolate mousse that is both delicious and healthy.

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Chia pudding -

Chia seeds are quite a versatile ingredient that can be used in a number of ways, and chia pudding is indeed one of them. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds are a good addition to your diet.

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Chia pudding -

To make a pudding, all you need is to mix two tablespoons of chia seeds with half a cup of unsweetened almond drink. Let it sit in the fridge over night, and it's ready to eat just like that. As for flavor, you can add fruits, honey, maple syrup—you name it!

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Cheesecake bites -

Yes, we hear you, cheesecake can indeed be a caloric bomb! But maybe instead of a nice big slice, the way to enjoy this delicious dessert is portion control.

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Cheesecake bites -

Sure, bites might help, but that doesn't make them more healthy, only less caloric. You can, however, swap a few ingredients and use low-fat cream cheese or ricotta instead of regular cream cheese. And also swap half the sugar with powder sweetener.

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Frozen yogurt -

Frozen yogurt is usually mentioned as a healthier alternative to ice cream. And indeed it can be.  Though when you buy ready-made froyo, it sometimes comes loaded with toppings.

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Frozen yogurt -

Beware of the toppings. They can turn a seemingly healthy dessert into a sugar-loaded disaster. Instead, opt for pieces of fruit or/and zero-calorie syrup.

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Strawberry shortcake -

Whipped cream might not be the healthiest choice, we know. But that's no reason to stop eating these. All you have to do is swap a couple of ingredients.

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Strawberry shortcake -

Whipped cream can be replaced with yogurt. But to get a similar texture, blend it with soy lecithin. 

Sources: (Health Digest) (The Daily Meal)

See also: Weird pizza toppings from around the world

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