9 Packaged Desserts That Won't Derail Your Diet
Seriously, if there's any one type of food that sabotages a day of healthy eating, it's got to be the post-dinner indulgence. But while you should probably stay away from things like Oreo cookies (research shows they're one of the most addictive foods in the world), that doesn't mean you have to ban all sweets altogether. You've just got to follow a few smart strategies.
First of all, opt for a dessert that's not high in both fat and sugar, suggests Lisa Young, PhD, RD, author of The Portion Teller Plan. Ideally, you'll want to stick to foods that have no more than 8 to 12 grams of added sugar, little or no trans fat (.5 g tops), and less than 3 grams of saturated fat, she says. Also, try to keep the calorie count under 200.
Sound like a tall order? Not to worry! We picked some options that fit the bill—these desserts will satisfy cravings without stalling your healthy-eating efforts.
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Annie's Bunny Graham Friends, per 31 cookies
Calories | 130 |
Fat | 4.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 90 mg |
Carbs | 22 g |
Sugar | 7 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Don't let kids have all the fun: With 8 grams of heart-healthy whole grains that come in a trio of flavors (honey, chocolate chip and chocolate), these cute grahams are a savory snack for grown-ups, too.
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Blue Diamond Dark Chocolate Oven-Roasted Almonds, per 24 almonds
Calories | 160 |
Fat | 13 |
Saturated Fat | 1 |
Sodium | 35 mg |
Carbs | 9 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 4 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Dusted in dark chocolate, these almonds have just enough satisfying sweetness without being a major calorie or sugar bomb. Plus, almonds have been shown to help boost weight loss and stoke the burning of fat and carbs during exercise, thanks to the amino acid L-arginine.
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Dark Cacao Chia Pod, per pod
Calories | 140 |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 35 mg |
Carbs | 19 g |
Sugar | 11 g |
Protein | 5 g |
This portion-controlled treat can be eaten anytime or anywhere, and it contains inflammation-fighting omega-3s that may help protect you from heart disease and diabetes. Plus, chia seeds are known to increase saiety, so may not need to polish off an entire package.
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Outshine Fruit & Veggie Bars in Blueberry Medley, per bar
Calories | 35 |
Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 15 mg |
Carbs | 9 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 9 g |
Protein | 0 g |
The temps are climbing, so it's time to break out the frozen treats. Made from real fruits and veggies (including pears, blueberries and beets) from concentrate, this fat-free bar is sweet and satisfying, but it won't send your calorie count into the red zone.
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Vanilla Bean Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bar, per bar
Calories | 80 |
Fat | 0.5 g fat |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 40 mg |
Carbs | 15 g |
Sugar | 12 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Vanilla gets a rap for being blah. Not so these bars—they're a low-cal way to indulge in an after-dinner classic. Plus, they're are an awesome alternative to regular vanilla ice cream, considering that one serving of traditional Breyer's can set you back an extra 50 calories, 6.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of sugar.
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Annie's Organic Bunny Summer Strawberry Fruit Snacks, per pouch
Calories | 70 |
Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 45 mg |
Carbs | 18 g |
Sugar | 10 g |
Protein | 0 g |
These little gummy bunnies vault way over regular gummy snacks, which can contain nearly double the carbs and twice the sugar, as well as artificial flavors. The Annie's variety is made with real fruit juice, and each pouch packs 100 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C.
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Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies, per cookie
Calories | 130 |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 65 mg |
Carbs | 20 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Protein | 2 g |
You can get a guilt-free cookie fix with these soft and chewy snacks. Each cookie contains 12 grams of whole grains, which, according to the USDA, can help keep your weight in check.
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Vermont Maple & Sea Salt Quinn Popcorn, 3 cups
Calories | 160 |
Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 |
Sodium | 115 mg |
Carbs | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
Protein | 3 g |
If the salty-sweet combo is your jam, you're in luck. Although regular microwavable popcorn is always on the nutritional naughty list (thanks to gross chemicals and loads of butter), this popcorn is different. Because it has only four ingredients—non-GMO yellow corn kernels, maple sugar, sea salt, and sunflower oil—it's a healthy way to get popping.
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Pure Organic Strawberry Apple Fruit & Veggie Strips, per strip
Calories | 50 |
Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Sodium | 10 mg |
Carbs | 11 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Relive your playground days with the modern (and healthier) version of Fruit Roll-Ups. These strips are made from a tasty combo of fruit and veggie purées and juices, including strawberries, apple juice, and even sweet potato. (The brand claims there's ⅔ a serving of fruits and veggies in each bar.)