Sweet Endings

Fact: Some desserts can use up to a pound of butter or shortening. These are deadly desserts for any dieter. However, just because we are watching our weight does not mean we can’t treat ourselves every now and again. Dessert makes us feel like we are rewarding ourselves and satisfying our sweet tooth. Besides, who doesn’t get chocolate cravings that you just can’t shake? There is no need to deter the cravings, but instead, learn how to satisfy them in the right way.

Restaurant Guide to Desserts: Eating out is hard enough, but once everyone at the table starts ordering desserts, I’m already planning my gym schedule for the week. We need to be able to take the rules we have established with our other meals and apply them to desserts. There are some important things to remember.

1. Sharing is caring: When you are craving something sweet at the end of a meal, share with your friends and loved ones. It cuts the calories in half, while still allowing you to taste the sweetness.

2. Avoid pastry dough: The dough itself is 90% butter, so you’re turning something that’s already a treat into something even worse.

3. Try getting dessert someplace other than the restaurant: Sometimes you have a craving that will pass if you let yourself forget about it. Try getting dessert at another location, because your craving may subside.

These tips are great way to indulge without being overindulgent. I hope the next time you are out to eat and you find yourself in this situation, you can use these suggestions to make an educated dessert decision.

Can I eat dessert at home too? Dessert doesn’t have to be something you only get on special occasions. Treat yourself often (in a smart way) and you won’t feel like you’re missing a thing. For a great recipe to satisfy your cravings, try Devil’s Food Cupcakes courtesy of the Food Network. To make them even moister, I suggest adding apple sauce. Don’t be afraid to alter recipes to suit your taste!