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The Best Desserts to Shrink Belly Fat, Says Dietitian

Having a sweet treat now might actually prevent overindulging later.
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Eating dessert when you're trying to lose weight might sound like an oxymoron, but we take a different approach. Cutting out any food group has consequences—even dessert!

Have you ever noticed that as soon as you go on a diet, you suddenly crave all the foods that are off-limits? The longer we actively restrict certain foods, the more we crave them.

Letting these cravings go on for too long can actually backfire if you find yourself overindulging in the sweet stuff once you finally allow yourself to have it again.

That's why we recommend incorporating dessert in moderation as part of your weight loss plan. Yep, you read that right! Keep reading for our favorite desserts that will actually satisfy you while you are watching your diet. Then, for more healthy eats, check out our list of 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Healthy oatmeal–chocolate chip cookies
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You can't go wrong with a classic cookie for dessert, right? Pro tip: keep a batch of frozen dough in the freezer to make just one or two cookies at a time when the craving strikes.

If you want to lighten this recipe up, sub half the butter for applesauce or yogurt. The cookies will still come out super moist!

Get our recipe for Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Dark Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate pudding with olive oil and sea salt
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This heart-healthy chocolate pudding is so rich, you'll feel super satisfied with just a few bites. If you're feeling extra fancy, pair it with some fresh fruit to increase the volume and add a touch of natural sweetness!

Get our recipe for Egg-Free Chocolate Pudding With Olive Oil and Sea Salt.

Ricotta Cheesecake

Low-calorie ricotta cheesecake with warm blueberries
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This higher protein, low-fat cheesecake option offers a healthy twist to a traditional favorite. Finish it off with a super easy and naturally sweetened blueberry topping for the perfect pairing of savory and sweet.

Split a serving with a friend or partner if you're focused on portion sizing and still walk away super satisfied!

Get our recipe for Low-Calorie Ricotta Cheesecake With Warm Blueberries.

Healthy Apple Crumble

Apple crumble
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We invented a lightened-up apple crumble that aims to please. With less added sugar or oil than most apple crumble recipes, this combo will match your dessert dreams.

The best part? You don't need to wait for apple-picking season to roll around! This crumble works with peaches, pears, or berries too!

Get our recipe for The Best Apple Crumble.

Homemade Banana Nutella Crepe

Banana nutella crepe
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Who doesn't love an ooey-gooey banana-chocolate combo? To be honest, this dessert gives us Sunday morning brunch vibes and we're not mad about it.

Whether you want your dessert for breakfast or after dinner, we've got you covered with this recipe. If you want an even lower sugar option, swap the bananas for berries!

Get our recipe for Homemade Banana-Nutella Crepes.

2.4/5 (15 Reviews)
Caroline Thomason, RD, LDN, CDCES
Caroline is a women's health Registered Dietitian and diabetes educator based in Northern Virginia. Read more about Caroline