Low Fat Desserts

What makes a dessert low fat? The simple answer is that the ingredients chosen are low fat. If you want to have a very easy low fat dessert, choose sugar-free gelatin and low fat whipped topping. While you could choose to buy the full fat whipped topping, it's low-fat counterpart is right next to it in the dairy section of the freezer isle in your grocery store. There is little difference in taste between the full fat and low fat whipped topping, so just choose the low fat option.

A whole fruit is another easy low fat dessert. While everyone else at the dinner table is eating their gooey chocolate cake, you could choose to eat an apple. I realize that an apple doesn't sound as enticing as a huge chunk of chocolate cake, but if you make the apple more enticing, it will satisfy your sweet craving every bit as much as that chocolate cake! How? Simply core the apple, place a pat of fat-free margarine inside, add a little cinnamon and a few tablespoons of sugar-free brown sugar or Splenda, and then bake your apple in the microwave for three minutes. You can even spoon sugar-free maple syrup over the top when the apple is finished cooking. Your baked apple dessert will be sweeter than the chocolate cake, and far lower in fat! Choose fruits over fatty desserts because they have no cholesterol and contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

If you must have a piece of cake, choose a light cake such as sponge cake, angel food cake, or shortcake. Simply top them with a favorite fruit and low fat topping, and you'll satisfy that sweet tooth. You can even drizzle low calorie chocolate sauce over angel food cake to satisfy that craving.

The next time you make a cake for your family, substitute artificial sweetener for all or part of the real sugar. Cup-for-cup, artificial sweeteners measure the same as sugar, and bake the same s real sugar. Don't tell your family that you've made the switch and see if they notice the difference. Chances are, they won't, and you will feel better about allowing them to have desserts, knowing that they are low in fat and calories.

Another good substitute to make is that of fruit smoothies for milk shakes. Instead of stopping at your local dairy bar to get a thick, fat-laden milk shake, see if they offer fruit smoothies, instead. Most dairy bars carry low fat, low calorie, and reduced sugar ingredients and will make your dessert choice low in fat. If they don't have what you need, buy fresh or frozen fruit and make your own fruit smoothies at home with your own blender. Not only will you save calories by eating low fat ingredients, you will save money by making the drink yourself!