While I’m desperately trying to lose my quarantine weight as Hot Girl Summer approaches, I’ve realized that I have a fatal flaw that’s been hindering my progress: my sweet tooth. I love cookies, brownies, cake, ice cream; you name it, I crave it. It’s a tragedy I’m not able to eat desserts 24/7 without gaining weight. However, it’s way less of a tragedy if you know how to cheat the system. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite tried-and-true healthy(ish) snacks that satisfy my sweet tooth without overloading my body with unnecessary preservatives and calories. Go get your summer bod sis! (Just kidding, every bod is a summer bod and you don’t have to change how you look to wear a swimsuit.)
Vegan Chickpea Cookie Dough
To all my friends who can down an entire Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough sleeve in one sitting, first of all, I love you. Second of all, I feel for you. Third of all, you won’t believe that this recipe is made from chickpeas. It’s that good.
Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites
If you’re a fan of frozen treats in the summer, this snack is deliciously sweet and perfect to serve poolside. Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas! is a cult favorite among all TJ’s fans, but this recipe is insanely easy to make at home. You can also personalize these by covering them in chopped peanuts or drizzling them with caramel.
Halo Top Ice Cream
Okay, I know this one isn’t a recipe but I just could not resist. With only 280 to 380 calories per pint, you can live your chick flick fantasy of eating a tub of ice cream in a big t-shirt after a breakup! (But hopefully, without the tears or the bloating.) As an ice cream enthusiast, Halo Top really knows how to hit the spot. My favorite flavors are Chocolate Almond Crunch and Peanut Butter Cup. Halo Top also offers Keto Pops, Fruit Pops, and Dairy-Free Pints.
Fruit Sorbet
For the most refreshing and simple snack, opt for this sorbet that really only requires one ingredient: fruit. You can make it with any kind of fruit you want, but my favorite sorbet flavors are mango, peach, and watermelon. You can use multiple types of fruit, add honey, or even make it boozy by adding in some rum, tequila, or vodka.
Paleo Brownies
Growing up, brownies were always my baked good of choice. I love fudgy brownies with chewy corners, and this recipe did not disappoint. These brownies taste so good that I wouldn’t even have realized they were gluten-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free!
Keto Chocolate Truffles
This keto dessert is so flavorful and chocolatey, all while being low in carbohydrates! I could eat a whole plate of these and they’re relatively simple to make. They only require four ingredients, so what are you waiting for?! Pro tip: You can coat these with whatever toppings you’d like, but I recommend Nutella, cocoa powder, and oreo crumbs.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Bites
Hot take: Pumpkin spice shouldn’t just be a seasonal flavor. It’s so delicious all year round! (Can you tell I cried when Starbucks took away their Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?) These vegan, no-bake treats are so satisfying and doughy that you may consider buying a time machine just so fall can come sooner. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
While I support maintaining a healthy diet, I also support letting yourself enjoy the food you love without feeling guilty, regardless of calories. If that food doesn’t happen to align with your health goals, then have it in moderation! In the meantime, let us know if you liked any of these sweet treats. You do you.
Photo by Galileo Giglio via Pexels.
