Easy Diet Desserts

Dieting can be a challenge, particularly for those of us who enjoy a few sugary snacks now and then. Fortunately, many food providers have started manufacturing low fat and low calorie snacks, baked goods and ice creams of great variety. Once you learn which foods are low in calories and fat, you will be able to substitute those fatty desserts to prepare delicious, healthier dessert options. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ice Cream Desserts

Some of the easiest diet dessert recipes involve a universal classic--ice cream. Ice cream can be purchased in low fat and no sugar added varieties from a half dozen manufacturers, including Bryer's, Edy's and Turkey Hill. Approximately 1/2 cup of diet ice cream totals about 100 calories. To make a delicious low fat, low calorie dessert, simply crush one low fat graham cracker and pack tightly in a bowl. Top with one half cup of your favorite flavor of diet ice cream and top with a delicious medley of fresh fruit. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries work very well with all ice cream flavors, especially vanilla and white chocolate. Another option is to add a slice of banana, strawberries and pineapple to top your vanilla ice cream to enjoy a delicious low calorie banana split.

Packaged Goods

Low calorie cookies and cakes can be purchased at any supermarket or department store wherever baked goods are sold. Weight Watchers sells a variety of 100 calorie baked treats as well as frozen mousse and chocolate cakes that can be easily microwaved. Entemann's and Healthy Choice also offer the option of low calorie, low fat dessert treats such as brownies and coffee cakes.

Cakes

While it is difficult to find low calorie bakery items, angel food cake is naturally low in calories and fat and can serve as a base for many delicious and easy low calorie desserts. To prepare a delicious dessert such as strawberry shortcake, just slice 4 oz. of angel food cake (about the size of your palm) and top with sliced strawberries and low fat or fat free whipped cream (available at any supermarket). For a diet chocolate cake, substitute the strawberries for some low sugar Hershey's syrup and drizzle 2 tbsp. atop the angel food cake. Finish with a scoop of low fat ice cream and you have a delicious diet chocolatey cake.