Help: Low Fat Desserts Wanted- Weight Loss Spinoff

[CRYSTAL24K]

Struggling to stay in control of my eating, but am having major sweet tooth cravings at night ! I haven't given in but my taste buds are in agony due to lack of late night sweets. I just started my new eating regimen (not a diet, right! ) a few days ago. I don't seem to have any major problems sticking to it except at night. I skimmed through the Weight Loss thread started by Jambalaya but I am, apparently, the only person with a (seemingly) debilitating sweet tooth. I haven't given in- yet- but I don't want to fall off the wagon, as they say, and binge on sweets (I am an excellent baker and can whip up home made cookies from scratch in 20 minutes from mixing the ingredients together to pulling out of the oven).

Fruit doesn't satisfy the cravings at night.
A bite of dark chocolate is okay, but doesn't get rid of the cravings.

Any recipes or tips that you have to help combat this would be great!

 

[TooPatient]

You aren't alone!

Oh I love chocolate! And caramel and mochas and cheesecake and pudding and....
Especially in the evening or when studying or when stressed.

Banana with a bit of chocolate sauce is good.

One graham cracker with a few chocolate chips plus a marshmallow can microwave to a yummy dessert without adding a bunch of fat & calories (if you stick to the small one!)

Make your own pudding. I use unsweetened almond milk and cut the sugar way back then use a really dark chocolate.

Have a cookie -- but make them small, limit to just one (freeze if you need to), make "healthier" as able

Apple crisp -- apples with just a little sugar (like 3Tbsp for big pan), oatmeal/brown-sugar/butter topping but make with less butter and do just a dusting rather than piling it on -- ends up a yummy dessert that is mostly just apples

 

[chemgirl]

Blend an avocado with a bit of honey, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to taste. A pretty good alternative to chocolate pudding. Great with raspberries on top.

Eta: these frozen coconut avocado bars are really good http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/coconut-avocado-grasshopper-bar-vegan-dessert-paleo-dessert-easy-dessert/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coconut-avocado-grasshopper-bar-vegan-dessert-paleo-dessert-easy-dessert&utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=No+Bake+Coconut+Avocado+Grasshopper+Bars+_+paleo+%26+vegan&utm_campaign=20140823_m121841519_Whole+New+Mom+Feed&utm_term=Read+More

I'm also working on making my own frozen yogurt. Will update if that works.

 

[Kelinas]

Freeze a sweet ripe banana then blend it.
Add a tbsp of almond butter (or peanut) drizzle of honey and mix well,

Its like soft serve ice cream.

I like to live dangerously and add nutella on occasion and top with nuts.

 

[missy]

I have one (or is it 2?) words....Yonanas. All you need is a banana and whatever else you want to add. It tastes as delicious and creamy as ice cream without the unhealthy calories. Granted I have not used mine for a long while but in my defense it is at the beach house so out of sight out of mind. It really makes yummy desserts and easy peasy. All you need is a frozen banana and whatever else you want to add.

http://yonanas.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiA05unBRCymrGilanF9SwSJACqDFRm_6JqZNAvNH9G2CF_trFfUclvpMgqUjwrnKaJw5HysxoCCQ7w_wcB

 

[momhappy]

I have a horrible sweet tooth, but I let myself indulge in small sweets during the day time. I try to never eat sweets at night. In fact, I don't eat any food after dinner as a general rule (no snacking, no sweets, etc.). Once I'm done with dinner, I'm done eating for the day. No exceptions.
My husband has followed the South Beach diet before and there are some good dessert recipes that you can Google.

 

[blackprophet]

Quest Bars.

Almost all Fibre and Protein. Tastes like a real chocolate bar. Very satisfying.

http://www.questnutrition.com/

 

[telephone89]

Protein cheesecake! http://www.builtlean.com/2013/01/23/protein-cheesecake-recipe/

The whole thing (no crust) is like 800 calories. So if you just have a small slice, its 100 cals or less.

 

[monarch64]

Sex is pretty low-fat, depending on who you're having it with.

But seriously, it's a great calorie-burner and sleep-aid, not to mention a distraction from your less healthy cravings.

I could come up with a whole list of "safe" sweets from my teenage ED days, but I've never been one to contribute to anything remotely resembling thinspo or fitspo on the internet. Too many impressionable young people out there.

Cravings can be about either something the body is lacking nutrient-wise, or emotionally. Sometimes the body/mind are just used to the habit of having sweets at a certain time and you have to go through the withdrawal cycle before getting onto a new path entirely. Other times, well, you're just bored and maybe need to replace the sweets-eating with something more exciting/pleasurable. If sex/more sex isn't an option in the evenings, or you've got that covered, maybe some other feel-good activity like yoga, painting/drawing, journaling, reading, could take the place of the sweets.

Now, if you are like me and like to have a sandwich after a "workout," maybe a nightly "workout" is not the solution for you!

 

[CRYSTAL24K]

These are really great suggestions!

TooPatient- Yummy suggestions! I will look at some baked apple recipes!

Chemgirl- I love avocadoes! I am going to make this tonight!

Kelinas, Missy- The banana recipes are great! I will make some for hubby. I unfortunately cannot stand them but maybe I will like them frozen using the recipes that you suggested. It will be a fun experiment.

Momhappy- I admire your will power! I eat my dinner for lunch and after 4pm I only allow myself to have a small salad. I will also check out the South Beach Diet's Desserts.

BlackProphet- Thanks for the tip! QuestBars seem like a good option to combat my sweet tooth when I am traveling. I will look into them.

Telephone89- I am going to look at this protein cheesecake just because it seems so unreal! 800 calories for the whole cheesecake, wow. Very cool.

Monarch64- More sex! Have you been speaking to my DH?
Emotionally- I am very sad that I can't have sweets at night. Having sweets or dessert after dinner is just how I grew up. It is a habit that my stomach thinks is a daily necessity. I am smarter and stronger than my stomach though and just need to develop new habits for my stomach to desire.

 

[momhappy]

^^ While sex might have it's purpose, it certainly doesn't fill a desire for eating sweets. They are entirely different "cravings" and have nothing to do with one another. Having sex when you're craving sweets doesn't make you not want sweets any more or vice versa. I say this as someone who enjoys both sex & sweets, but neither one can take the place of the other

 

[momhappy]

These are really great suggestions!

TooPatient- Yummy suggestions! I will look at some baked apple recipes!

Chemgirl- I love avocadoes! I am going to make this tonight!

Kelinas, Missy- The banana recipes are great! I will make some for hubby. I unfortunately cannot stand them but maybe I will like them frozen using the recipes that you suggested. It will be a fun experiment.

Momhappy- I admire your will power! I eat my dinner for lunch and after 4pm I only allow myself to have a small salad. I will also check out the South Beach Diet's Desserts.

BlackProphet- Thanks for the tip! QuestBars seem like a good option to combat my sweet tooth when I am traveling. I will look into them.

Telephone89- I am going to look at this protein cheesecake just because it seems so unreal! 800 calories for the whole cheesecake, wow. Very cool.

Monarch64- More sex! Have you been speaking to my DH?
Emotionally- I am very sad that I can't have sweets at night. Having sweets or dessert after dinner is just how I grew up. It is a habit that my stomach thinks is a daily necessity. I am smarter and stronger than my stomach though and just need to develop new habits for my stomach to desire.

So you eat your dinner for lunch and then only a small salad for what would be your dinner? What about breakfast? How much protein do you consume? Maybe you could share what a typical day of food & drink is for you?
Often times, if a person establishes some healthy eating habits, it's okay to fit in small treats (without feeling guilty and/or gaining weight). In other words, you might not crave sweets at night so much if you were eating more balanced meals (with small treats and/or snacks along the way). It sounds like maybe you're cravings might be intensified because of your eating habits.

 

[iLander]

I posted this in the weight loss thread, but it is worth repeating.

This is a lower calorie chocolate pie recipe, which is DELICIOUS, but fairly low in sugar/carbs. If you can skip the crust all together, it's even lower calorie as just a pudding or parfait. We substituted all the low cal and sugar free stuff, the original Kraft recipe doesn't have a low cal version.

1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O SUGAR FREE Chocolate Instant Pudding This stuff is the bomb
1-1/2 cups cold SKIM milk
1 OREO Pie Crust (6 oz.) Worst part, can be skipped altogether
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP LITE or LOW CALORIE Whipped Topping, divided

BEAT pudding mix and milk with whisk 2 min.; spoon half into crust.

STIR 1 cup COOL WHIP into remaining pudding; spoon over pudding layer in crust.

TOP with remaining COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 3 hours.

This is a great way to get your chocolate fix, very rich taste!

Also, SUGAR FREE JELLO! In the cups or you can make your own, it's low cal and lots of flavors!

 

[iLander]

Ugh, 13th post!

Spit three times, turn around.

Whew! Close one.

 

[CRYSTAL24K]

Monarch64- More sex! Have you been speaking to my DH?
Emotionally- I am very sad that I can't have sweets at night. Having sweets or dessert after dinner is just how I grew up. It is a habit that my stomach thinks is a daily necessity. I am smarter and stronger than my stomach though and just need to develop new habits for my stomach to desire.

So you eat your dinner for lunch and then only a small salad for what would be your dinner? What about breakfast? How much protein do you consume? Maybe you could share what a typical day of food & drink is for you?
Often times, if a person establishes some healthy eating habits, it's okay to fit in small treats (without feeling guilty and/or gaining weight). In other words, you might not crave sweets at night so much if you were eating more balanced meals (with small treats and/or snacks along the way). It sounds like maybe you're cravings might be intensified because of your eating habits.

You are right, I am definitely not eating enough protein in the morning. Tomorrow I am going to have an egg with my breakfast. Sometimes I do throw some bacon or chicken into my evening salad- sounds like I need to start doing this more often.

Thank you so much for your comments! I am going to have to do some online research in order to refresh my memory regarding what constitutes a well-balanced diet.

 

[CRYSTAL24K]

Thanks, iLander!

 

[blackprophet]

These are really great suggestions!

TooPatient- Yummy suggestions! I will look at some baked apple recipes!

Chemgirl- I love avocadoes! I am going to make this tonight!

Kelinas, Missy- The banana recipes are great! I will make some for hubby. I unfortunately cannot stand them but maybe I will like them frozen using the recipes that you suggested. It will be a fun experiment.

Momhappy- I admire your will power! I eat my dinner for lunch and after 4pm I only allow myself to have a small salad. I will also check out the South Beach Diet's Desserts.

BlackProphet- Thanks for the tip! QuestBars seem like a good option to combat my sweet tooth when I am traveling. I will look into them.

Telephone89- I am going to look at this protein cheesecake just because it seems so unreal! 800 calories for the whole cheesecake, wow. Very cool.

Monarch64- More sex! Have you been speaking to my DH?
Emotionally- I am very sad that I can't have sweets at night. Having sweets or dessert after dinner is just how I grew up. It is a habit that my stomach thinks is a daily necessity. I am smarter and stronger than my stomach though and just need to develop new habits for my stomach to desire.

So you eat your dinner for lunch and then only a small salad for what would be your dinner? What about breakfast? How much protein do you consume? Maybe you could share what a typical day of food & drink is for you?
Often times, if a person establishes some healthy eating habits, it's okay to fit in small treats (without feeling guilty and/or gaining weight). In other words, you might not crave sweets at night so much if you were eating more balanced meals (with small treats and/or snacks along the way). It sounds like maybe you're cravings might be intensified because of your eating habits.

I was thinking exactly this.
Sometimes I have a craving to have sweets and decide to have desert after dinner. But I eat dinner, and because it is satisfying I don't bother with the desert.

 

[soocool]

My sister has a huge sweet tooth and because of a medical problem coupled with lack of exercise and tons of medication, she had put on a great deal of weight. Trying everything she could to lose weight but she has the dreaded sweet tooth that always wins in the end. So she joined a gym (that is another story) and one of her instructors said why not chew some sugarless gum whenever the craving comes on. She started doing that and lo and behold she dropped 20 lbs in one month. She also said that she no longer craves sugary treats. Don't know if that is due to the gum or that she is eating much less sugar since chewing sugarless gum. BTW, she recommends Stride because the flavor last a long time.

 

[Siameseroo]

I would opt for refined sugar free and unprocessed sweets over low fat/fat free. Low fat desserts often contain more sugar and other nasties and are not necessarily lower in calories either.

Some great ideas on this thread! I love the yonana idea and quest bars are seriously amazing. The avocado idea is also fantastic, you can also make a really delicious chocolate mousse by blending avo, cacao or cocoa powder, a little bit of honey and coconut cream together.

My go to sweet treat is high quality raw chocolate - we have a brand called Pana Chocolate here in Australia which is divine - handmade, raw, organic, refined sugar free, vegan and more importantly, delicious!

I also make my own protein balls by blending nuts, shredddd coconut, raw cacao powder or cocoa, protein powder, dates, vanilla extract and cinnamon. I use Teresa Cutter's recipes https://www.thehealthychef.com/category/recipes/ Check out her site, she has some great dessert recipes.

Happy cooking!

 

[momhappy]

Monarch64- More sex! Have you been speaking to my DH?
Emotionally- I am very sad that I can't have sweets at night. Having sweets or dessert after dinner is just how I grew up. It is a habit that my stomach thinks is a daily necessity. I am smarter and stronger than my stomach though and just need to develop new habits for my stomach to desire.

So you eat your dinner for lunch and then only a small salad for what would be your dinner? What about breakfast? How much protein do you consume? Maybe you could share what a typical day of food & drink is for you?
Often times, if a person establishes some healthy eating habits, it's okay to fit in small treats (without feeling guilty and/or gaining weight). In other words, you might not crave sweets at night so much if you were eating more balanced meals (with small treats and/or snacks along the way). It sounds like maybe you're cravings might be intensified because of your eating habits.

You are right, I am definitely not eating enough protein in the morning. Tomorrow I am going to have an egg with my breakfast. Sometimes I do throw some bacon or chicken into my evening salad- sounds like I need to start doing this more often.

Thank you so much for your comments! I am going to have to do some online research in order to refresh my memory regarding what constitutes a well-balanced diet.

Actually, I wasn't advocating for more protein in the mornings (although, that's a start). I was recommending that you add more protein overall. I try to eat low carb (nothing strict- just a general rule of thumb).

 

[stracci2000]

When I was watching my weight, I used to make pretty parfaits , layering colorful sugar free jello(or pudding) and sugar free cool whip.
Use your prettiest parfait or wine glasses, and make 4 or 6 at a time. Cover and keep on hand when you have a dessert craving.

 

[NTave]

Frozen pineapple chunks blended really well with a little water and maybe a sprinkle of sugar if the pineapple isn't super sweet..and then set in the freezer for a little bit. Check out the recipes for dole whip..it does taste the same and it's very refreshing.

 

[junebug17]

Crystal, I struggle with that urge for something sweet at night too - it's probably not a bad idea to up your protein at your last meal. Although that said, I eat a low carb dinner and sometimes I still get that craving for sweets. There are some great ideas in this thread. Sometimes I'll have a bowl of oatmeal - I buy the low sugar kind so not a lot of calories. My husband loves a brand of ice cream sandwich called Skinny Cow, one sandwich is only 150 calories. My suggestions aren't the healthiest, but they are low in calories and are pretty satisfying. And sometimes I just get out of the kitchen and go to bed

 

[Kelinas]

I made this today!!!
Its so good!!!

Definitely for You if you don't like my (&&missy's) banana ideas
http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-weight-loss/news/recipes-blog/20140722-georgeanna-recipe

I was watching an episode of extreme weight loss and this recipe came up.
I used almond and vanilla extract because I didn't have any pods

 

[missy]

Kelinas, that looks delicious. Yumm!

I just want to add that I don't think one size plan works for all. That is, for some, it is great being strict and saying no desserts or anything after dinner. I know Oprah does that. But for others being restrictive like that and denying yourself a sweet treat when you really are craving something sweet is a sure way to backfire. I am a big believer in moderation and finding what works for you. No black and white rules IMO. One needs to be flexible or else you could go overboard. I hope you find some of the suggestions in this thread helpful.

Here are a couple of other low calorie/low fat desserts I found for you Crystal. No bananas included.

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/minted-watermelon-lemon-ice-pops

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mango-lime-ice-0

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/drinks/honeydew-kiwifruit-smoothie/

And what I used to do for in between meals (and will start again soon I have just been a bit lazy lately) is in my Vitamix add half organic greens and 1/2 fruit with lots of ice and something that will make it a creamy texture (for me that would be a half banana but for you it could be a part of an avocado for example to add that texture) and voilà a perfectly delicious and healthy treat anytime you want.

Here are some recipes to get you started.
https://www.vitamix.com/Find-Recipes/Search?view=true&cat=Dessert%2cEasy

and this one is yummy. Leave out the banana if you want or try it because you might be surprised how it tastes in the smoothie with the other ingredients.
http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/vitamix_raw_vegan_sweet_kale_and_pear_green_smoothie

 

[momhappy]

Kelinas, that looks delicious. Yumm!

I just want to add that I don't think one size plan works for all. That is, for some, it is great being strict and saying no desserts or anything after dinner. I know Oprah does that. But for others being restrictive like that and denying yourself a sweet treat when you really are craving something sweet is a sure way to backfire. I am a big believer in moderation and finding what works for you. No black and white rules IMO. One needs to be flexible or else you could go overboard. I hope you find some of the suggestions in this thread helpful.

Here are a couple of other low calorie/low fat desserts I found for you Crystal. No bananas included.

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/minted-watermelon-lemon-ice-pops

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mango-lime-ice-0

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/drinks/honeydew-kiwifruit-smoothie/

And what I used to do for in between meals (and will start again soon I have just been a bit lazy lately) is in my Vitamix add half organic greens and 1/2 fruit with lots of ice and something that will make it a creamy texture (for me that would be a half banana but for you it could be a part of an avocado for example to add that texture) and voilà a perfectly delicious and healthy treat anytime you want.

Here are some recipes to get you started.
https://www.vitamix.com/Find-Recipes/Search?view=true&cat=Dessert%2cEasy

and this one is yummy. Leave out the banana if you want or try it because you might be surprised how it tastes in the smoothie with the other ingredients.
http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/vitamix_raw_vegan_sweet_kale_and_pear_green_smoothie

I agree with you that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and I wasn't encouraging anyone to follow a specific plan. My plan works for me, but others should do as they see fit. Thanks for sharing the recipe links, missy - it looks like there's some good ones there
Here's one that my husband used to like:
http://www.food.com/recipe/south-beach-diets-mocha-ricotta-creme-phase-i-110938

 

[CRYSTAL24K]

Thank you so much everyone! Last night for dinner I just had green beans sautéed in garlic with half of a grilled chicken breast. My cravings were minor compared to previous night in which I had no protein in my dinner salad.

I just had a small bite of chocolate for dessert and my sweet tooth was satisfied!

This morning I added a scrambled egg to my breakfast and am feeling great and full!

These are all great recipes and I am excited to test them throughout the year. I have already lost a couple of pounds this week and am excited to continue on this healthy journey back to my desired weight.

I live in a warm state so many of the smoothies/drinks are great and healthy refreshers for when summer is in full swing.

Dropping my mom off at the airport today so I have not had a chance to do much research regarding a balanced diet, but I will get to it tomorrow by the latest.

 

[Calliecake]

Weight Watches makes an ice cream chocolate fudge bar that tastes great, is huge and only has 100 calories. The also have a smaller one with only 50 calories. I find it to be a great ice cream substitute. Fills you up and no guilt.

I also peel bananas, wrapped them individually in Saran Wrap and put in the freezer. I love frozen bananas and its a great on the run snack.

 

[junebug17]

Crystal, that's great! I agree that we all have to figure out what works best for us - but I know for myself, if I deny myself something I end up feeling frustrated and eventually just end up binging - I don't know, I think moderation plus a balanced diet is helpful for a lot of people and it sounds like you're doing great!

 

[momhappy]

Thank you so much everyone! Last night for dinner I just had green beans sautéed in garlic with half of a grilled chicken breast. My cravings were minor compared to previous night in which I had no protein in my dinner salad.

I just had a small bite of chocolate for dessert and my sweet tooth was satisfied!

This morning I added a scrambled egg to my breakfast and am feeling great and full!

These are all great recipes and I am excited to test them throughout the year. I have already lost a couple of pounds this week and am excited to continue on this healthy journey back to my desired weight.

I live in a warm state so many of the smoothies/drinks are great and healthy refreshers for when summer is in full swing.

Dropping my mom off at the airport today so I have not had a chance to do much research regarding a balanced diet, but I will get to it tomorrow by the latest.

That's awesome! I'm glad that the extra protein seems to helping with appetite/cravings