Where are all the healthy desserts at?

Weight loss doesn’t always have to be about trips to the gym, profusely sweating while deadlifting, and frantically googling “low-cal recipes”. Cheat days are important, too! In the immortal words of Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford from Parks & Recreation, “Treat Yo Self!”. So, where are all the healthy desserts at? We could all use some edible slimming products to balance out those cravings.

It’s so important to stay happy during your weight loss journey, but that doesn’t always have to mean feeling guilty about running to the freezer for a midnight snack and eating an entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s. There’s no need to keep avoiding decadent desserts and hiding your sweet tooth.

We found some awesomely sweet and healthy desserts that actually promote weight loss, whether that be because they are low in calorie or high in protein. So, treat yo’ self with these healthy store bought snacks!

1. Instead of: Oreos
Try: Back to Nature Classic Creme Cookies

Whether you want to admit it or not, we all have Oreo cravings. When this happens, Back to Nature Classic Creme Cookies is the perfect, healthy alternative for Oreos. This has less to do with nutritional facts on the back of packaging and more to do with the fact that you can eat 25 Oreos in 2 minutes without even realizing it. You’re more likely to eat less of these Back to Nature Classic Creme Cookies because they do not contain any of the unhealthy ingredients that Oreos contain.

Back to Nature Classic Creme Cookies: less ingredients than Oreos, don’t contain any corn syrup or artificial flavoring

2. Instead of: Marie Calendar’s Dutch Apple Pie
Try: Mrs. Smith’s Dutch Apple Pie

Pie isn’t only for Thanksgiving. If you crave that fresh, warm, yummy apple pie flavor, try Mrs. Smith’s Dutch Apple Pie. While it may not be the healthiest thing you can possibly eat, this option is much better than Marie Calendar’s. It’s the lesser of two evils. But hey, dieting has never been about calories; it’s about portion control. So as long as you’re eating a reasonable portion, this is a great alternative to satisfy your pie craving.

Mrs. Smith’s Dutch Apple Pie: less calories for the portion

3. Instead of: Ghirardelli Brownie Mix
Try: Pure Organic Chocolate Brownie

This certified-organic brownie bar is the perfect alternative for those fudgey brownies mom used to make. They contain flavorful, natural ingredients that really give this dessert a kick, like almonds, walnuts, agave nectar, dark cocoa, and dates.

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix: 190 calories per one, 2-inch brownie
Pure Organic Chocolate Brownie: 180 calories per bar

4. Instead of: Ben & Jerry’s
Try: Halo Top Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a healthy ice cream alternative, Halo Top is the king. It’s no wonder this ice cream has developed such a large following. The yummy ice cream, available in a plethora of different, delicious flavors is high-protein, low-calorie, low-carb, and low-sugar. What more could you want in an ice cream? Plus, the whole pint is 360 calories.

Ben & Jerry’s: 1080 calories per pint
Halo Top: 360 calories per pint

5. Instead of: Duncan Hines German Chocolate Mug Cake
Try: Pillsbury Purely Simple Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake. Everyone’s weakness. We know these mug cakes are everything now, so hear us out with this healthy alternative. Pillsbury Purely Simple Chocolate Cake is the cake we wish we knew about sooner. It’s less calories even with a larger portion, which will allow you to save some for later. And hey, you can still make the cake in a mug if you want.

Duncan Hines German Chocolate Mug Cake: 300 calories per serving (70g)
Pillsbury Purely Simple Chocolate Cake: 190 calories per serving (48g)