How to handle sweets

I heard a tidbit (probably on the Today Show or one of those other informal news programs) that having dessert with every meal can help stave off cravings for sweets, which in turn will make you less likely to overindulge.  I think this sounds like a great idea.  I think everyone should maintain a healthy diet, but I don't think dancers should completely deny themselves.  A handful of Halloween candy or a few slices of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving won't hurt you, especially if you keep up your regular level of activity.  I like trying to have a tiny dessert with my meals (during my regular schedule, excluding holidays and celebrations) because it's fun and it keeps me from craving candy after class.

If you are still loaded from Halloween, have one piece of candy after breakfast, one piece after lunch, and one piece after dinner.  If you want to mix it up with something a little healthier, here are some easy ideas for adding a sweet finish to your meals.

Breakfast:

--Add a couple of tablespoons of flavored coffee creamer to 8 ounces of coffee or tea.  If you don't like coffee or tea, try a cup of cocoa instead.

--Throw a handful of dark chocolate chips on top of your oatmeal to make your breakfast taste like a cookie.

--Follow your ham and eggs wit a slice of toast spread with nutella, or buttered and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Lunch:

--Have a couple of squares of dark chocolate to finish off your meal.  Dove makes cute individually wrapped chocolates with fun sayings on the wrappers.  Chocolate covered nuts and dried fruits are great options too.

--In addition to your water bottle, pack yourself a mini fruit smoothie (homemade or a 10 ounce bottle of Naked Juice) to drink when you conclude your midday meal.

--Make cheesecake dip for your fruit and veggies: Combine 1 8oz container of greek yogurt with half of an 8oz container of plain cream cheese.  Add about 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or to taste) and a little cinnamon.  Mix well.

Dinner:

--Make a mini apple cobbler: chop one apple into bite sized pieces, toss them in a bowl, and microwave for 1 minute.  Add 1 tsp of honey, a shake of cinnamon, and a crumbled graham cracker on top.

--Fix up some "fro-yo" in your blender:  Add 1 cup of frozen fruit (berries work well) and half a frozen banana, then pour in just enough vanilla soy milk to cover the fruit.  Blend until it reaches a thick, soft serve ice cream consistency, the pour into a bowl and enjoy.

--There's nothing wrong with a traditional dessert like cookies every once in a while.  Just try to go for something lower in sugar and higher in other healthy(ish) ingredients, like oatmeal raisin or gingerbread.


Do you have a favorite healthy dessert?  Share what you like in the comments!